The chief executive of mental health services in Norfolk and Suffolk has resigned.

Aidan Thomas, who made national headlines last year when he sent an email to every employee at the trust denying he was having an affair, said he had been proud of his work.

Deputy CEO Andrew Hopkins will cover the role at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust from 1 July.

Mr Thomas, who had been chief executive for four years, admitted he had “struggled” with the commute from Essex to Norwich.

In November, he emailed staff at the trust to deny he was acting like Dirty Den and having an affair.

He said he was forced to speak out to stop the “hurtful” rumours, which he claims were started by a disgruntled worker. Mr Thomas said he was “sorry to disappoint” the gossips but his life was actually “boring”.

Mr Thomas played a key role in the merger between the mental health Trusts in Norfolk and Suffolk. The trust said he “indicated his wish to move on” several months ago but remained in post to support the new chair and complete the Trust Service Strategy consultation.

“I have been considering my future since the merger,” he said.

“It is not a decision I have found easy because I feel very privileged and proud to have been the chief executive of such a great trust and to have met so many brilliant and committed staff and colleagues.

“Those who have worked with me know that I wouldn’t ever want to give less than a 100% in any role, and Norfolk and Suffolk Trust and our new chair deserve this however I do believe my style of management is better suited to a smaller organisation. In addition, I have struggled with the regular commute from my Essex home.”