Controversial chief executive of Dover Harbour Board Dr Bob Goldfield is to stand down at the end of the month, it has been announced today.

He has been in the post for 11 years and has overseen many changes at the port, including the privatisation of many of the services, resulting in DHB staff being transferred to other companies, or losing their jobs altogether.

Chief operating officer Tim Waggott will become acting CEO on June 1.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Goldfield said: “For the past 11 years, I have had the honour to be the chief executive of the UK’s premier port and certainly one of the world’s busiest ports.

"Those 11 years have been, in turn, exciting, demanding and challenging. I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their help and support over the years and to wish the Board and all of the Port of Dover staff every success in the future”.

Dover Harbour Board chairman George Jenkins said: “Bob Goldfield has devoted himself to this role, has delivered significant change and led the organisation into a more commercial, resilient and successful port operation”.

Mr Goldfield will carry out other duties for DHB in advance of his departure in September.