THE boss of a prestigious national museum who was suspended when an investigation into “potential irregularities” was launched more than six months ago has resigned.

Paul Evans, from York, has quit his job as chief executive of the Royal Armouries Museum and Master of the Armouries.

The Leeds-based museum is home to the country’s national collection of arms and armour, including artillery.

Ann Green, chair of the museum’s board of trustees, said in a statement: “Paul Evans has decided to resign in order to pursue other interests. The trustees will now start the process of recruiting a new chief executive. In the meantime, the armouries administration director Joan Jacobs will continue to act as accounting officer.”

Simon Mountford, an external consultant to the museum, said Mr Evans resigned in accordance with his contractual terms.

In May, Ms Green issued a statement saying that “internal system checks” had picked up “potential irregularities”.

Following this, the board confirmed that a senior member of staff had been excluded from work to allow a full and thorough investigation. Mr Evans was suspended on April 15 pending the outcome of the investigation, which was internal. The probe had not been completed before he tendered his resignation. Mr Mountford said: “The investigation has been terminated because Paul Evans has resigned.”

Mr Evans joined the Royal Armouries in October 2000 as chief operating officer and was promoted to chief executive of the museum in July 2003.

The Press tried to contact Mr Evans, but was unable to reach him.