The chief executive of Powys County Council has quit after a breakdown in his relationship with councillors.

Mark Kerr, 59, resigned after criticising members in an electronic newspaper article, a matter he said had “seriously affected” relations with the council.

In the piece in reNews, which focuses on renewable energy, Mr Kerr, talking about renewable energy targets, is reported to have said: “Local members tend to have less respect for policy than for local sensibilities.”

In the article, published on February 5, Mr Kerr said the political scene in Mid Wales was dogged by a “lack of meritocracy”.

“Things are heavily influenced by half-baked ideas and according to what people want,” he is reported to have said. “I know that developers are starting to get fed up and look elsewhere.”

Councillors narrowly voted (33-31) against accepting his resignation at a meeting yesterday, but Mr Kerr said he felt he could not carry on.

Mr Kerr, a former Royal Navy rear admiral, said it had not been his intention for his “unguarded” comments to be published. 

“This episode has seriously affe- cted my relationship with my emp- loyer, and I do not believe it is right under the circumstances to work for the organisation,” he said.

Councillor Michael Williams, member for Machynlleth, said: “By resigning he did the right and honourable thing.”

Jeremy Patterson, council executive director for organisation and regeneration, will act as interim chief executive.