A council clerk suspended amid concern at his handling of authority business has left his post, it emerged today.

Paul Archer, town clerk of Newhaven Town Council, has been suspended on full pay of around £25,000 a year since a unanimous decision by committee members last August.

The council declined to discuss its case against Mr Archer but said it did not concern financial irregularities.

An investigation has been carried out by an independent consultant but its outcome has been couched in secrecy and councillors and officers are forbidden from discussing the result.

Today, the authority refused to confirm whether Mr Archer had been sacked or left his job of his own accord.

Councillor Jo Lewry said: "A decision has been made but we are not yet publicising the outcome."

Mr Archer's duties are being fulfilled by existing town council staff.

An extraordinary meeting is being held behind closed doors tomorrow. It is thought Mr Archer's departure will be discussed.