Darrock, who is managing director of JTA Travel, said the time he had been able to devote to the Midlands-based consortium over the past year had been limited while his mother fought cancer.

Despite this, he said he had been encouraged by the rest of the board to continue as chair with their support.

However, on Monday (21 February), Darrock said “the lack of consideration [and] respect shown by fellow board members in the past week” had left him no alternative but to resign.

“I want to thank each and every one of the members for all their support over the years and I am honoured to have been the longest-serving chair of this great consortium,” said Darrock.

“I know they will understand my family has to take priority. I wish them all every success for the future,” he added.

Elite board member, Knowle Travel’s Robert Lines, told TTG the group would not be commenting further on Darrock’s decision at this time, adding that he had stepped in as chair.

“We will be putting a full report out to our members,” he said. “Members should be assured that as a board, we have got their interests, those of staff and of Elite as a consortium, at heart.

“We will always do what we think is best for members.”