The boss of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has defended her chairman’s decision to campaign for Britain to remain in the EU as the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce quit after campaigning for Brexit.

Jo James said everyone has the right to have their own opinion on the in-out referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union.

The director general of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), John Longworth, resigned today after being suspended on Friday night for saying he felt Britain would be better off outside the EU.

The chamber, which had decided to remain neutral in the campaign, said his comments could “create confusion” on its stance.

However, last month, Tim Allen, the chairman of Kent Invicta Chamber, which is affilliated to the BCC and has more than 1,200 members, was among more than 100 business leaders to sign a letter calling for Britain to remain in the EU.

Mrs James said: “At a local level our chairman has his personal and business view on this matter, as do all my directors.

“They are very clear when giving a personal opinion that it is precisely that to avoid compromising the Chamber, and will give a personal view in the appropriate forum.”

In an interview with the Telegraph, Mr Longworth said the Government was peddling “highly irresponsible” scare stories about the EU debate.

He said: “The government has to be responsible. And the fact of the matter is that there is a chance that the country will vote to leave.

“If the government keeps peddling the line that it will be a disaster if we leave, which it actually won’t be, they are going to put the country in a position where it will be damaged if we do.”

BCC president Nora Senior said: “The British Chambers of Commerce is a non-partisan organisation, and as such, decided not to campaign for either side ahead of the European referendum on June 23, 2016.

“Its neutrality in the referendum debate reflects the real divisions that exist in business communities across the UK.

“John Longworth and the BCC board recognise that John’s personal view on the referendum is likely to create confusion regarding the BCC’s neutral stance going forward.

“In light of this, John has taken the decision to step down as director-general and his resignation has been accepted by the board with effect from March 6, 2016.”