ODA chair Lemley resigns

The chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority Jack Lemley has stepped down.

He said: ‘It has been a privilege to chair the ODA for the last year and lead the organisation through its formative stages. The delivery partner has been appointed and the ODA is ready to move to the next stage of its development. I am keen to return to the helm of my international construction consulting firm in America, which is increasingly busy with major contracts.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said: "Jack has played an important role in helping London’s transition from candidate city to host city for the 2012 Olympic Games over the last year. He has given leadership and direction to the ODA during this period. I respect his decision to return to the US at this stage of the project and wish him every success."

Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister, said: "Jack has done much to help lay the foundations for success for the Olympic construction project over the last year. Jack has played a significant role in getting us to this point and helping ensure that Games and legacy are planned together. I am grateful to him for all he has done and wish him well in the future."