A HEREFORDSHIRE festival co-founder and director has resigned after a bullying complaint was upheld by an investigation panel.

Peter Florence, who co-founded the world-famous Hay Festival in 1988, was suspended on October 1 when a formal complaint of bullying made by a member of staff was upheld.

Speaking at the time, chair of Hay Festival Caroline Michel said: "Peter Florence was suspended on 1 October pending the outcome of a grievance procedure initiated by one of our staff.

"He has since been signed off sick, which has delayed the conclusion of that process.

But in an announcement made this weekend, Hay Festival confirmed Mr Florence would be leaving his post of more than 30 years.

In a statement, the festival's board of directors said: "On Thursday July 29, the Hay Festival board unanimously endorsed the findings of an independent investigation and panel review that upheld an internal complaint against Hay Festival co-founder and director Peter Florence, backed by more than half of the Welsh Festival team. In line with the festival's disciplinary procedure and bullying and harassment procedure, it was found that Mr Florence's actions amounted to gross misconduct.

"This decision followed a thorough and extensive process, which considered substantial supporting evidence. As the board gathered to conclude the internal process, Mr Florence resigned with immediate effect. The board will now be seeking new leadership for the world-renowned non-profit organisation.

"Mr Florence was suspended last October following the panel’s review of the grievance complaints and has been signed off sick since then. Finance director and interim chief executive officer Tania Hudson has led the UK team over the past 10 months, delivering successful digital events in December and May, while Hay Festival international director Cristina Fuentes continues to run Hay Festival events internationally.

"Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our teams, artists, friends, Haymakers and supporters in Wales and around the world, our hybrid festival plans continue unchanged for the next 12 months as we bring writers and readers together in sustainable events across Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Hay-on-Wye."