The Pensions Advisory Service chair Museji Takolia has temporarily departed from his position after being declared bankrupt, the BBC has reported.

According to BBC Newsnight, Takolia will have no choice but to officially leave his post unless he is able to annul the bankruptcy.

While his departure was only revealed at the end of last week, Takolia was declared bankrupt in July and stood down from his role at a TPAS board meeting on 26 September, after his appointment by the DWP in January this year.

If the TPAS chair is unable to annul the bankruptcy, he will face a forced resignation from the role and a permanent replacement will be sought.

Though the chairman role is not responsible for the day to day running of the firm, TPAS has appointed its non-executive director Ann Harris to be its interim chair for six months. Harris has been in the role since 17 October.

On Harris’ appointment, a DWP spokesperson said: “Once notified we took the first opportunity to appoint a new acting chair. The role of chair does not include the day to day running of the organisation.”

Takolia has also resigned from his position as chair of the Wye Valley Health Trust and is described as being “on special leave” from TPAS.

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