GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S chief fire officer Stewart Edgar has resigned after an internal probe over the sale of a fire service vehicle.

The investigation said Mr Edgar made “poor judgement” over the vehicle’s disposal, and as a result he has resigned.

Mr Edgar acknowledges his actions “have damaged the council’s confidence in his ability to undertake his senior leadership role”.

Pete Bungard, chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council said: “I can confirm a complaint was recently made in relation to the disposal of a fire service vehicle.

“As a result an internal audit investigation was carried out. The investigation identified poor judgement by the Chief Fire Officer, which he acknowledges has damaged the council’s confidence in his ability to undertake his senior leadership role.

“Stewart Edgar has taken responsibility for his actions and has resigned.”

Mr Edgar has deleted all of his social media accounts.

Mr Edgar was awarded an OBE for his services to local government and the community over the last 27 years in last month’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.