Altrincham-based car dealership Lookers plc announced that chairman Ian Bull has notified the board that he will step down for personal reasons with effect from December 31, 2022.

Senior independent director Paul Van der Burgh will assume the role of interim non-executive chairman on January 1, 2023.

Non-executive director Sue Farr will assume the role of interim senior independent director.

The Lookers board will now commence a search for a new chair.

The group said it is making strong progress in the delivery of the strategic priorities. It will announce a post year-end trading update for the year ending December 31, 2022, in early January and it confirmed that trading for the year remains in line with expectations.

Bull said: “I am sorry to be leaving at this exciting time for Lookers, with the business trading well and continuing to perform strongly.“

Van der Burgh said: “Ian has been instrumental in helping us to develop and implement our strategic priorities.

“I would like to thank him on behalf of the board and wish him well for the future.”