Deal Town Council’s town clerk, who was the subject of calls for him to be suspended, has announced his early retirement.

Leslie Bulman, 59, made the announcement in a letter to the Mayor Cllr Bill Gardner .

The officer, who has served for more than 10 years, faced mounting pressure after he was named in the damning East Kent Audit Partnership report, which propelled Deal Town Hall into chaos in April following the resignation of former deputy town clerk, Stella Leitner.

According to Cllr Gardner, Mr Bulman made his decision during two weeks of annual leave and presented his letter on his first day back at work.

"I have discussed his decision to retire with the council’s personnel officer and we are both happy to accept it," Cllr Gardner said.

"His letter says that he turns 60 towards the end of July and he intends to retire on or just before his 60th birthday," he added.

Mr Bulman came under fire at a stormy meeting three weeks ago, when the council met to discuss the way forward following the EKAP report.

A motion, proposed by the five Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors, demanded his suspension. But it could not be discussed because the Conservatives walked out before the item came up.

Mr Bulman has not returned calls from the Mercury asking him to comment.