Labour councillor Ian Duncan has quit his role chairing the culture committee of Brighton and Hove City Council.

He made no comment to The Argus about the reason for his resignation.

A council source said: "It is pretty obvious he is not happy with the changes that are taking place."

Chief executive David Panter is carrying out a review in a bid to make the administration more effective and to save money.

The review, before the policy committee next month, includes disbanding the culture, regeneration and housing department, which Coun Duncan headed.

Two officers are likely to lose their jobs if the changes already approved by the ruling Labour group go ahead. They are culture director Sarah Tanburn and city services director Paul Hart.

Coun Duncan is believed to be unhappy at not being kept fully informed of the changes. He also believes culture, a vital part of the city, is being downgraded in the review.

Coun Duncan said: "I am standing down. It would be better for someone else to carry on for the next four months."

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "I am sorry to be losing a long-standing personal friend."

But he said the changes, under which Mr Panter will take personal control of culture, were intended to give greater focus.

Until the end of the municipal year, former mayor Andy Durr will chair the committee.

Coun Duncan has been in charge of culture since the city council was formed in 1997. He held a similar post on the old Brighton Borough Council.

He represents King's Cliff ward and is standing down in May.