Simon Racle, the head of Barclays Wealth's regional offices in Manchester, has resigned, the firm has confirmed.

Mr Racle is on gardening leave and was considering a number of opportunities.

“To our knowledge he hasn't gone to another company and he's taking time to consider his options. We wish him well,” a spokesman for Barclays Wealth said.

Earlier reports that Mr Racle was also head of the Liverpool office has been corrected by Barclays Wealth, pointing out that the head of the Liverpool office is Mark Esner.