The leader of Tendring District Council Peter Halliday announced his shock resignation from the authority at a cabinet meeting today.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Halliday said he made the move after being “saddened and disappointed” by the actions of some fellow Conservative councillors.

He said he had been accused of putting pressure on the planning committee to ensure a controversial education centre proposed by Essex Wildlife Trustfor the Naze at Walton was approved.

He said: “I’ve always been open and transparent about my actions and the thought that I would use my position to come down on any side is astonishing.”

Mr Halliday, who joined Tendring District Council in 2007, became leader in November 2012. He said he intended to also resign as a councillor and as a member of the Conservative Party

He added: “I was asked by my peers to become leader and I believe if you are going to do something, you do it well. I have worked my backside off for the council and to be told by one councillor that they would, in effect, vote against any further initiatives out of spite is just too much.”

Chief executive of the council, Ian Davidson, confirmed that Mr Halliday’s resignation was made at a meeting of the cabinet this morning.

He said: “I want to reassure our residents and members that it will be business as usual.”

In accordance with the council’s rules councillor Paul Honeywood, who was deputy leader, has taken over as interim Leader of the council.

Mr Honeywood has been a cabinet member since May 2011 and was appointed deputy leader in November last year.

He is currently also cabinet member for housing, revenues, benefits and sports facilities

A statement issued by the cabinet said: “Tendring District Council’s whole cabinet is upset and bitterly disappointed about the resignation of Peter Halliday.

“He was an excellent and inspirational leader, who cares passionately about the district and all of its residents. It is a very sad day for the cabinet and even more so for Tendring.”