The runner up of this week’s Apprentice final is to be offered a job working for Essex council.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, said: “Essex County Council is as ambitious as any private company.

“We unashamedly want the best and brightest to come and work for us.

“Perceptions need to change. Working in local government is every bit as challenging and rewarding, if not more so, than the private sector.

“This is an organisation with a £2bn annual spend, employing 38,000 staff within a multitude of disciplines.

“Sir Alan Sugar’s company is based right here in Essex – so this is about the ambition of the county as a whole, both private and public sector working together, to deliver the best possible quality of life for the people of Essex.”