AS exclusively reported on Thurrock Nub News earlier this week, the two preferred candidates to take over as director of Thurrock Council's children's services department withdrew their names at the eleventh hour.

The two were due to go before a final selection panel on Monday after coming through an application process, but they backed out.

The council had declined to confirm the fact when approached by Thurrock Nub News, who were informed from sources within the authority, but tonight council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill made an announcement at a specially convened meeting of the full council.

"This will be going back for appointment in January," he told colleagues.

Opposition leader Cllr Jane Pothecary, who had been involved in the selection process, paid tribute to the work put in by officers and a stakeholder panel, adding: "It is disappointing we are unable to appoint a director of children's services but I am quite confident that will happen in the new year."

She also said: "I am confident we have a lot of senior officers who will be able to take the council forward."

Cllr Gledhill confirmed that the existing arrangements with an interim appointment from within the council will continue.

One senior appointment that was confirmed in the ten minute long meeting was that of Andy Millard as the council's new Director of Place.