In a letter to the Alliance Board Simon said: “After nearly eleven years at the Alliance and seven as its Chief Executive, I feel the time is now right for me to start the process of handing over to a successor. My recent election leads me to believe that this should be sooner rather than later. So it is for this reason that I offer the Board my resignation today.

“As you know, I would be delighted to do what I can to ensure the smooth running of the organisation during the succession period and in whatever way I can both now and in the future”.

Kate Hoey MP, Chairman of the Alliance said: “Simon’s contribution to the Alliance has been enormous and whilst the board congratulates him on his election to Parliament we are also very sad to see him go. He has led the organisation and the countryside through unprecedented political battles. The continuing strength of the Countryside Alliance, the resilience of the rural community and the survival of hunting are due in no small part to his leadership.

“The process of identifying a replacement will now begin, and Simon has agreed to oversee the transition period and the handover of the role.”