OUTRAGED taxpayers have launched a campaign to cut the salary of Essex County Council’s top boss.

Chief executive Joanna Killian was paid £289,173 in 2010/11 – £147,000 more than the Prime Minister.

Despite agreeing to take a five per cent salary cut last year, her actual pay package increased by £4,000, thanks to a £6,900 bonus.

More than 200 people have signed the petition launched by John Morris, 45, of High Road, Benfleet. He needs 14,000 names to trigger a debate at County Hall’s next full council meeting.

He plans to put the petition up at www.essex.gov.uk He said: “The pay of these people has been going up and up across the country.”