Teignbridge tax payers might have to pick up the tab after it emerged that the 'shotgun marriage' between the district's top council officer and Torridge could be over.

Nicola Bulbeck was appointed Teignbridge chief executive in 2006 but since April 2010 has also held the same position at Torridge.

She divides her time between the two and earns £130,000 a year. Teignbridge remains her employer but contributes only £62,500 to the bill, the savings helping to freeze council tax.

Today an extraordinary meeting of Torridge Council will – behind closed doors and while 52-year-old Ms Bulbeck is on holiday – consider a motion calling for the arrangement to be axed.

The man behind the move, independent Cllr Philip Collins, refused to explain his actions

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