Mystery surrounds the sudden departure of Leeds Jewish Housing Association chief executive Darren Cooper.

LJHA chair Stephen Lewis said the move had been unexpected, stating: “Mr Cooper has left his position by mutual consent. We wish him well in the future.” He declined to add to the statement.

Until a successor is appointed, Mr Lewis will act as interim leader of the association.

Raised in Ilford, Mr Cooper took over from the late Sheila Saunders as the housing association’s chief executive in 2010.