Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands resigns to spend time with ill wife

In a statement Paul Sabapathy, CBE, said: "It has been a privilege to be the representative of Her Majesty The Queen and to serve the communities of the West Midlands for the last eight years.

"After deep consideration and in light of my wife's ill health I have decided to stand down as Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands in order to spend more time with my wife."

It had been reported that Mr Sabapathy had quit over comments he made about British Pakistanis.

Mr Sabapathy reportedly made the remarks after attending a Pakistan consulate event last month.

The event was in Birmingham and marked Pakistan Independence Day.

According to leaked emails he was reported to have said British Pakistanis must be taught 'basic common courtesy and civility'.

In his statement Mr Sabapathy apologised 'unreservedly and wholeheartedly' for the offence he has caused to the Pakistani community and others with the comments in his private email.

He says: "I have today written to all those who received my original email to express my sincere sorrow and regret. I have asked for their forgiveness in the hope that my comments do not damage relationships between the many communities of the West Midlands.

"Those who know me will, I am sure, confirm I am a great advocate of the Muslim and Pakistani communities - in the same way that I support all of those in the region, no matter their colour, creed or beliefs. Collaboration and engagement are at the heart of all my work. There is not one iota of prejudice on my part and I am deeply sorry for the upset I have caused and I offer my sincere and heartfelt apologies.

"I hope that my stepping down will enable the good work of the office to continue without distraction and to the benefit of the region."