Many council chief executives are likely to quit their posts, faced with a “perfect storm” budget cuts, attacks from politicians and the media, and increased scrutiny of their pay, their representative body has warned.

Last week chiefs of three of the biggest councils announced plans to retire early. Paul Rogerson, 62, of Leeds; John Schultz, 58, of Stockport; and Byron Davies, 62, of Cardiff; have 40 years at the helm between them.