Wardle’s departure was confirmed by Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer in an email sent to TTG.

Tanzer said the decision to restructure reflected “the changing needs of the organisation”.

He also acknowledged Wardle’s exit comes as the association gears up for “the most intense political and economic shake-up of recent years” as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

Said Tanzer: “We have decided to restructure Abta’s public affairs team to reflect the changing needs of the organisation.

“I can confirm that as part of those changes, the role of director of public affairs will no longer exist. Consequently, Alan Wardle will be leaving the business. I’d like to thank Alan for his contribution to Abta and wish him all the best for the future.”

Tanzer said work with policymakers in the lead up to Brexit was now among the association’s “top priorities”.

He added the restructure would strengthen the association’s public affairs capabilities by bringing closer together the public affairs, legal and communications teams at a senior executive and operational level.

Abta’s senior public affairs manager Lee Petherbridge will lead team of three reporting directly to chief executive Tanzer.

Wardle joined Abta in December 2016. He is a former head of head of corporate affairs and head of policy and public affairs at the NSPCC, and served as trustee of the British Institute of Human Rights and the Centrepoint homelessness charity.