Yorkshire chairman Denison resigns with immediate effect

In a statement, Denison, who has served in his current role at Headingley for three years and in all capacities since 2012, said "ECB regulations mean that I’m unable to remain in post and I don’t want my situation to be a distraction"

^{Steve Denison has resigned as Yorkshire chairman}

Yorkshire chairman Steve Denison has resigned his post with immediate effect.

In a statement, Denison, who has served in his current role at Headingley for three years and in all capacities since 2012, said "ECB regulations mean that I’m unable to remain in post and I don’t want my situation to be a distraction at a time when cricket is going through a crucial period of change."

Denison was recently fined a record sum by the Financial Reporting Council and has voluntarily agreed not to take part in any financial auditing for 15 years following his work on the audit of BHS.

His suspension from auditing activity clashes with the wording of the ECB's fit and proper persons test.

Those rules say that anyone who is subject to "any form of suspension, disqualification or striking-off by a professional body... or any equivalent body in any jurisdiction outside of England and Wales, whether such suspension, disqualification or striking-off is direct or indirect" should not be allowed to serve on a county's board.

Denison said his decision to walk away from Yorkshire has left him "heartbroken", while expressing his pride at the work achieved under his watch - including the redevelopment of Headingley and improvement in the club's finances.

"I’ve worked hard to be open and accessible to all YCCC’s stakeholders, especially our members where I’ve highlighted challenges, answered questions and proposed solutions for debate. Our AGM’s have been great fun and a wonderful showcase for the incredible passion that exists for cricket in Yorkshire," part of his statement read.

"I’ve also engaged in a positive, friendly way with the media. We’ve not always agreed but I’ve consistently had the best interests of the game at heart, including when encouraging everyone to maintain an open mind about the future of cricket. I love history and tradition but am also a fierce moderniser; I believe the game is better for open debate.

"I love Yorkshire County Cricket Club and am immensely proud of the tiny part I’ve played in its history as well as the wider game. I owe a huge debt to everyone involved in cricket across Yorkshire for their passion, commitment and hard work, and hope one day circumstances will allow me to return to cricket and continue to serve the game."

Chief executive Mark Arthur paid tribute to the outgoing Denison, saying: "It is a really sad day, not only for Yorkshire Cricket but for the game as a whole. Steve has achieved so much, both as a Director and Chairman of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club over the last six years. We will greatly miss his input and contribution.

"I’d like to pay a personal tribute to his support of the executive team and we wouldn’t be undertaking the development of the Emerald Stand in conjunction with Leeds Rugby without his significant input."

Yorkshire's board will meet soon to discuss the process of appointing Denison's replacement.

Denison suggested on social media that an appointment could be made as early as next week.