The deputy leader of Norfolk County Council is to step down from his cabinet position on Monday, the EDP can reveal.

Ian Mackie says his job within central government includes new roles which are politically restricted - meaning he has to stand down from 'high-profile local political roles'.

The Thorpe St Andrew division county councillor's decision is expected to be confirmed at Monday's cabinet meeting.

Mr Mackie, who is cabinet member for finance and performance, led the Big Conversation project, which has resulted in more than �100m of cash cuts and savings being made at the authority since 2010.

He will remain a county councillor.

Mr Mackie said: 'This has been a very difficult decision, as most people know I have tried my best for Norfolk and have given everything I have to these roles since being appointed in 2009.

'It has been an honour to hold such a position and I shall greatly miss the great relationship with my cabinet colleagues, I wish them and my supportive officer teams well for the future.'

Mr Mackie said it had been a 'very demanding period' for local government with budget grants significantly reduced, but he believed the council had 'steered a careful course through this'.

He works for the Cabinet Office's efficiency and reform group, which states its brief is to make central government 'more efficient' and 'radically' reform public services.

Mr Mackie added: 'I will of course be continuing to serve the county I love and the wonderful community of Thorpe St Andrew and Great and Little Plumstead which I have had the privilege or representing since 2005. I hope to be back in the front-line of the county council again, one day.'