SUNDERLAND City Council chief executive Colin Sinclair earned more than Prime Minister Tony Blair last year, according to new figures.
A report to the council's ruling cabinet for the financial year 1999 to 2000 showed that Mr Sinclair earned between £120,000 and £129,999.
By comparison, Mr Blair was paid a total of £109,768 for running the country.
A council spokesman said the figures, for the year ending in April, were distorted by Mr Sinclair's role as regional returning officer for the European elections. His total earnings will drop next year because the elections only happen every four years.
A total of 61 staff earned more than £40,000 during the financial year, according to the report.
Last week, it was revealed that George Garlick, chief executive of Stockton Borough Council, had seen his salary grow to £110,000 - a leap of £12,500 - as part of what the authority said was an attempt to retain his services
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