Members of the British Limousin Cattle Society have been left with more questions than answers following the shock resignation of society chairman, Harry Parker, for personal reasons.

Mr Parker, who took over as chairman from Orkney breeder, Michael Cursiter in September 2020, made the bombshell announcement at a late running council meeting on Tuesday. He had served on council for in excess of 10 years before completing more than half of his three-year term as chairman.

Of more concern is the fact that he has handed in his notice just six weeks before the onset of the breed society's 50th anniversary celebrations, which include a national show and sale on both sides of the Irish Sea, kicking off at the end of July.

Vice-chairman, Jonathan Watson, Bowsden Moor, confirmed the announcement and is expected to be appointed acting chairman at a zoom council meeting this Friday, where a new vice-chairman will also be selected.

“It saddens me and all of us on council that Harry has decided to stand down as chairman due to personal reasons. I would just like to thank him for all his hard work as chairman over the past couple of years," said Mr Watson.

The official society agm is in September, when seven seats are up for election – five of which are current council members whose three-year-terms are up for re-election, which won't necessarily be filled by new council members if the current incumbents wish to re-stand and succeed.