Sir John Bourn is to step down from his position as comptroller and auditor general of the National Audit Office on 31 January 2008.

Sir John has come under fire in recent months because of his spending habits while on official business, but he has said that a government reform to be incorporated next year has made his position untenable.

The Companies Act 2006 gives auditors general in the UK the power from April 2008 to audit public limited companies. This means the auditors general will be monitored by the Professional Oversight Board of the Financial Reporting Council. Sir John is currently chairman of the POB.

Sir John said: 'Under these new arrangements it would be incompatible for me to hold the positions of both C&AG and chairman of the POB board. I have therefore decided to relinquish the position of C&AG at the end of January 2008, when I shall have completed 20 years in the post, and continue in my position as chair of the POB.'

Further reading:

Sir John Bourn in new expenses storm