[ Text of section effective until January 1, 2013. Repealed by 2012, 165, Sec. 12. See 2012, 165, Sec. 137.]

  Section 6A. The governor, with the advice and consent of the council, may appoint an administrative secretary who shall perform the duties required of him by the governor or by the governor and council, and shall receive such salary as may be fixed by the governor and council, not exceeding the sum annually appropriated therefor by the general court. Said administrative secretary shall hold office during good behavior and until the governor and council shall remove him in accordance with the provisions of chapter thirty-one, and the rules made thereunder, relative to removals from the classified public service.