THE chief secretary of the Isle of Man Government will retire at the end of the year.

Mary Williams, who has been in the post since November 2002, has previously served as chief financial officer, chief executive officer of the Department of Home Affairs and chief internal auditor.

By the time she retires - on December 31 - Mrs Williams will have notched up more than 40 years public service.

Advertising for a successor is expected to begin in the next few weeks.