AN MP has launched an attack on a North-East council which pays its chief executive more than the Prime Minister.

John Marsden is the top officer at North Tyneside Council, having left North Yorkshire Council to take up the post earlier this year.

Labour MP Alan Campbell has criticised the authority for paying him a reported £240,000 a year.

David Cameron earns £142,500 a year.

He called on the Tory-run council to justify the wage at a time when the council is facing budget cuts, and the Conservative-led Government is calling for the top public sector wages to be cut.

Mr Campbell, the MP for Tynemouth, said: “In the current climate, with the Conservative party making public sector pay restraint a big issue, it is reasonable to ask questions about the size of the current chief executive officer (CEO) at North Tyneside’s salary.

“The CEO received a 25 per cent increase in his salary when he left North Yorkshire County Council to take up post and tax payers in North Tyneside.”

“It is a simple question – who decided to pay the CEO what he gets paid because £240,000 is a lot of money for a council that was, according to the mayor, on the brink of bankruptcy and does that represent value for money for the tax payer?

A spokesman for the council said last night: “John Marsden has been appointed as Chief Executive of North Tyneside Council for a period of one year to support the authority through a transitional period.

“Local government faces a number of challenges over the coming months not least in relation to funding.

“Mr Marsden brings with him a wealth of experience as a chief executive most recently with North Yorkshire County Council – a four-star authority.

“We are confident that John’s experience will enable North Tyneside Council to continue to develop, provide excellent services to residents and meet the financial challenges we face.

“This appointment is in full accordance with the council’s recruitment procedures sanctioned by the appointments committee, cabinet and full council.

“In light of recent events, the council will be making sure that it has a structure and staffing resources that are fit for purpose in times of severe financial restraint.”