Editors Blog

The Taxpayers' Alliance jumped on the decision, saying the move was far from an efficient us of our levies. "It's a bit worrying when ordinary families are struggling to make ends meet whilst council executive are sunning themselves in warmer climes."

But obviously, the council has found the glass half-full.

Sanda Claxton, the council's chief executive, said the only alternative was to pay an interim manager £800 a day until a replacement was found, and that Taylor's "excellent finance management" had played a large part in improving council finances

"We are the first local authority in the country to fully utilise modern technology to deliver a highly cost-effective solution," said Geoff Harper, Conservative councillor for Doddington. "Retaining [Mat Taylor's] services is much more cost-efficient than bringing in an interim finance director."

But what does Mr. Taylor have to say about all this?

The British-born Taylor told the Daily Mail that he and his wife had decided to emigrate to Australia with their three young children because it "seemed like an interesting place to go".

"We chose Adelaide because of the Mediterranean climate and there's a good standard of living," he added. He is planning to spend a few months 'relaxing' before looking for a full-time job.

Given the difficulties Australia has had with its tourism slogans in the past, that triple whammy might just do it for them.