One of Douglas Council’s old guard has quit his powerful job.

Stephen Pitts has spent many years in top jobs in the council, including his role as chairman of the regeneration committee.

He said: ’Since July this year the council has totally changed from what it has been in the last 10 years when I was chairman of the regeneration committee.

’This year there’s not the same camaraderie there and I really don’t want to be part of it so I thought I would resign and let somebody who’s more enthusiastic about being on the executive than me join.’

Councillor Pitts’ resignation as chair also means he will no longer sit on the executive committee, the group of leading councillors which effectively sets policy.

Councillor Pitts remains a member of the council.

There were big changes after the local authority elections in the summer when long-standing council leader David Christian retired from his role.

Claire Wells is now the leader of the council.

Councillor Andrew Bentley succeeds Mr Pitts as chair of the regeneration committee.