East Devon District Council boss Mark Williams quits

Mark Williams has resigned from his position as chief executive

The chief executive of East Devon District Council (EDDC) has resigned after more than 21 years in the job.

There had previously been calls for Mark Williams to resign over the council's handling of child sex abuse allegations against the disgraced councillor Jonathan Humphreys.

EDDC said Mr Williams was the longest-serving district chief executive in England and Wales.

Mr Williams said the time was "now right to pass the baton".

In a statement, he said: "I would like to thank all the wonderful people I have worked with over the years.

"A captain is only as good as their team, and I have been blessed to have great support from councillors and officers alike."

Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].