Last week, Longworth said he supported Britain out of the European Union, saying that the country could have "a brighter economic future" outside the bloc.
"John Longworth and the BCC Board recognize that John’s personal view on the referendum is likely to create confusion regarding the BCC’s neutral stance going forward. In light of this, John has taken the decision to step down as Director-General and his resignation has been accepted by the Board with effect from 6 March 2016," BCC president Nora Senior said in a statement on Sunday.
BREAKING BCC's John Longworth quits. David Davis MP tells me he is the first "Brexit martyr".
— Christopher Hope (@christopherhope) March 6, 2016
The president underscored that "no politician or interest group" had any influence on the BCC Board's decision to suspend Longworth, adding that the move had been agreed between the two sides on the basis of mutual understanding.
UK citizens are set to vote on June 23 in a referendum on the country's EU membership, after UK Prime Minister David Cameron and the leaders of the 27 other EU member states reached a deal in February to grant London a special status within the bloc.
How very sad that BCC'S John Longworth has been forced to resign because of his personal convictions over EU Referendum!
— David Buik (@truemagic68) March 6, 2016
Cameron, who won the 2015 election on a promise to renegotiate the terms of Britain's EU membership, now leads the "Stay" campaign.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said that Brexit would be "wonderful" for the United Kingdom, as British business would get rid of a huge burden currently on it, Johnson added.
Find it strange Ukip has so much to say about treatment of John Longworth after Suzanne Evans got sacked for backing Vote Leave
— John Stevens (@johnestevens) March 6, 2016
