The Royal Armouries museum in Leeds has suffered its second top-level resignation in the space of just four years.
Lieutenant-General Jonathon Riley’s departure yesterday (Nov 20) from his role as Master of the Armouries followed his suspension earlier this year.
As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post in June, Lt-Gen Riley was suspended pending the outcome of a review of issues raised by the museum’s auditors.
Announcing details of his resignation yesterday, however, the Armouries declined to comment on the review other than to say it was of a “personal and internal disciplinary nature”.
A previous Master of the Armouries quit in 2008, again after being suspended.
Lt-Gen Riley said yesterday that he was leaving to develop his academic career and pursue his work with the International Criminal Court.
The former commander of British forces in Iraq also revealed that he has been undergoing treatment for cancer.
“I would like to thank all of those at the Armouries with whom I have had the pleasure of working for their good wishes and, in return, I wish them the very best for the future,” he added.
Wes Paul, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees, thanked Lt-Gen Riley for his hard work.
He also wished him every success with his treatment.
Armouries finance director Chris Walker will continue to act as interim chief executive and accounting officer during the search for a permanent new person at the helm.
Lt-Gen Riley took charge of the museum following the resignation of Paul Evans as Master of the Armouries in late 2008.
Mr Evans had been suspended earlier that year after trustees launched an inquiry into “potential irregularities”.
He turned down the opportunity to give evidence to an inquiry panel prior to his resignation.
* The Royal Armouries is home to the United Kingdom’s national collection of arms and armour.
Its £42.5m site at Clarence Dock in Leeds city centre was opened by the Queen in 1996.