The group chief executive of Taylor Wimpey is to take permanent direct control of the housebuilder’s UK business after the resignation of Ian Sutcliffe, its UK chief executive.

Taylor Wimpey said group chief executive Pete Redfern would take control of the UK business “with immediate effect” after the announcement that Sutcliffe was stepping down to head the UK property business of Segro, formerly Slough Estates. Building understands that no replacement for Sutcliffe will be sought.

A statement to the stock exchange left it unclear as to whether Sutcliffe had left of his own accord.