Liverpool City Council’s chief executive, Ged Fitzgerald, is understood to have resigned days before an independent panel was due to consider his future.

The fresh development comes weeks after Mr Fitzgerald lost a legal attempt to judicial review his arrest last year on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and witness intimidation.

Mr Fitzgerald has been suspended from his post since the autumn and had been expected to leave the council as it was believed the authority’s appointments and disciplinary panel had recommended his departure.

An independent panel had been due to consider the recommendation on Thursday before the matter was discussed at a meeting of full council next week.

Both Mr Fitzgerald and the council have been approached for comment.