Liverpool culture boss quits

Last month, Regeneration & Renewal reported that Harborow had been on sick leave for "about ten weeks" and was on the brink of leaving his post.

It is now understood a £230,000 severance deal was finalised earlier this week, freeing Harborow to concentrate on "other personal business opportunities".

In a statement, Harborow said: "I have fulfilled my pledge to the people of Liverpool; my job is done."

But his departure and pay-off comes just two days after the Audit Commission ranked the city with the lowest possible rating for its financial management and standing in a report on use of council resources.

Labour councillor Joe Anderson, who has publicly accused the council's Liberal Democrat leadership of financial mismanagement, said: "The irony of the payment made to Jason Harborow won't be lost on anyone in light of the Audit Commission's report."