BCC Boss Resigns Over 'Brexit' Support

The director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, John Longworth, has resigned after being suspended for saying the UK's long-term prospects could be "brighter" outside the EU.

The BCC said Mr Longworth had accepted his support for leaving the EU was "likely to create confusion".

He revealed his support for "Brexit" at the BCC annual conference on Thursday.

The BCC said Mr Longworth had breached the group's official position of neutrality on the referendum.

BCC president Nora Senior said the organisation was "non-partisan" and had decided not to campaign for either side in the forthcoming UK referendum on EU membership.

She added: "John Longworth and the BCC board recognise that John's personal view on the referendum is likely to create confusion regarding the BCC's neutral stance going forward.

"In light of this, John has taken the decision to step down as director general and his resignation has been accepted by the board with effect from 6 March 2016."

At the conference, Mr Longworth said the EU referendum was a choice between the "devil and the deep blue sea".

He added that voters faced "undoubtedly a tough choice".

One option was staying in an "essentially unreformed EU", with the other being the uncertainty of leaving.

He said the very best place for the UK to be was in a reformed EU, but added: "I have come to the conclusion that the EU is incapable of meaningful reform, at least in the foreseeable future."

He said his comments had been made in a personal capacity.