Barratt Developments chief financial officer Neil Cooper suddenly left the company yesterday in a move said to be “by mutual agreement”.

Neil Cooper, who had joined Barratt in November 2015 from bookmaker William Hill, leaves the housebuilder a week after it reported a 5.8 per cent drop in home completions.

He was previously group finance director of Bovis Homes from 2007 until 2010.

Chief executive officer David Thomas, who previously held the role of Barratt CFO for six years, will reassume temporary responsibility for the finance function.

Barratt’s board is launching a search for a new CFO and a further announcement will be made in due course.

Neil Cooper said: “I wish David and the team all the best for the future and would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to work with Barratt over the past year.”

Chairman John Allan added: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Neil for his contribution during his time with us and we wish him well for the future.”