Leeds-based First Direct confirm Britain's youngest banking boss Joe Gordon stepped down four months ago

Joe Gordon, one of the UK’s youngest banking bosses at 33, stepped down from the business in March, it confirmed. First Direct would not be drawn on why so much time had elapsed before the move was confirmed.

It would only say he left to pursue other opportunities outside of the bank and that he left with their best wishes. He is still listed as CEO on the bank's homepage.

First Direct said it has initiated a process to find a new chief executive and will be considering internal and external candidates for the position.

Meanwhile Margaret Parkes, who had been chief operating officer at the bank, has assumed the role of interim chief executive officer and joined HSBC UK’s retail banking executive committee while the hiring process takes place.

A spokesperson said: "During the search period first direct has asked Margaret Parkes to assume the role of interim CEO until a successor is appointed and to join the Retail Banking Wealth Management HSBC UK Executive Committee.

"Margaret was previously Chief Operating Officer at first direct, a position she has held since 2018."