Cr Buchanan says the decision has not come lightly, and he is willing to bring it forward if the mayor, council and administration prefer.

He says he cannot go into the full reasons, but argues he no longer has the personal confidence needed in the city’s administrative procedures to keep doing the job to the standard locals expect.

The Sound Telegraph reports a dispute over an event permit may have been the tipping point.

The Council has confirmed the resignation in a statement yesterday, and says it will follow statutory requirements in filling the vacancy.