GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council’s group leaders have spoken out about the shock resignation of chief fire officer Stewart Edgar, and revealed a whistleblowing letter triggered the chain of events that led to today’s news.

It was announced earlier today that Stewart Edgar resigned over an internal investigation because of the sale of a fire service vehicle and party leaders at the county council have expressed their surprise at the shock announcement.

An investigation, launched by the county council’s chief executive, Peter Bungard, said Mr Edgar made 'poor judgement' over the vehicle’s disposal.

The leader of the county council Mark Hawthorne said an internal audit investigation was launched after a whistleblower alleged there had been misconduct.

Staff and councillors were alerted about the resignation at noon today by an email from Mr Bungard.

Mr Hawthorne (Quedgeley, Con) said: “I recently received a whistleblowing email regarding the disposal of a fire service vehicle. This was immediately passed to the chief executive, who in turn triggered an internal audit investigation regarding the allegations.

“As a result of those investigations initial findings, the chief fire officer has tended his resignation with immediate effect. This is the right thing for him to do given the serious nature of the allegations made and the outcome of that investigation.

“While his departure is regrettable given his previous outstanding contribution to our county, his actions have made his continued employment untenable.”

Liberal Democrat leader Paul Hodgkinson said: “We are seeking further information as to what has happened. It all seems very surprising, especially after he received and OBE.

“The news is troubling. It is also sad because the fire service has a good reputation in the county.”

The Lib Dem fire and rescue spokesman Jeremy Hilton: “The news has come as a shock. All we have received is a short email.

"I have sent a text to Peter Bungard to arrange a meeting and a fuller statement will be sent out when we get more information.”

Labour leader Lesley Williams added her surprised comments to those of the other leaders saying: “I do not really know anymore about it other than the email. I am surprised.”

It is understood that Mr Edgar has deleted all social media accounts following his shock departure today.