Former Fleet Street journalist Nigel Pauley has quit his £78,000 a year role as strategic advisor to Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

“I am sad to see him go,” Mayor Johnson told me.

“He has been very supportive but recently has had difficult times because of family pressures and health concerns.”

Mayor Johnson thanked Mr Pauley for his work and his efforts during the campaign last year which saw him elected as Labour mayor of the Combined Authority.

“Nigel has prioritised his health and well-being – and we part on good terms,” said Mayor Johnson.

Mr Pauley said: “As the gambler says it’s knowing when to walk away .. and when to run.

“Hopefully Its au revoir for now - not forever. Never say never again!”.

He said: “I hope to be back to help Nik after a break and will still be advising and offering help to my good friend.

“I’m proud of what we achieved and Nik will continue to achieve.”

Mr Pauley said: “It’s been a rollercoaster year - masterminding one of the biggest and surprising local election wins has been one of my proudest achievements.”

But he added: “Sadly two close family losses, a long-term family illness and loss of a beloved pet dog all took its toll!

“Batteries need to be re charged.”

He said: “Nik is one of the good guys - a politician who speaks from the heart and I know Nik will continue to deliver the plans we developed over the past five years.”

Mr Pauley worked on Dr Johnson’s 2017 general election campaign for Huntingdon and organised his winning district council campaign for St Neots East in 2018 before coordinating his successful mayoral campaign.

He beat 11 others for his role with the combined authority.

After his appointment, Mr Pauley said: “It is an important role and I look forward to working with the mayor and helping spread his message of the ‘3Cs’ across the Combined Authority.”

Mr Pauley is married with three children and lives near Huntingdon.

He began his career at the Hunts Post and later worked in Fleet Street at the Daily Mirror, Express Newspapers and the Sunday Mirror, before going freelance in radio, writing and media training.