Jim Currie, deputy leader of Cornish council, has resigned over plans to increase public sector privatisation.

The privatisation of council services is expected to go to preferred bidders CSC or BT, in a deal that could be worth as much as £300 million per year.

While council members had resisted the creation of a privatisation contract, pressure from cabinet members had driven the procurement tender through revealed Currie.

In a resignation email, Currie pointed to the increasing lack of Council control over joint ventures coupled with the rush to enable private contracts.

Council leader Alec Robertson said: “I am hopeful that members will support the strategic partnership once they have access to all the facts. However, if I a majority of the council decide to vote against the proposal, then it will not go ahead.”