High-flyer Carnwath quits Barclays board

One of the most high-profile women in the City has quit as head of the committee that sets pay for Barclays' directors in the latest blow to the bank.

Alison Carnwath cited "personal reasons" for her decision to leave her post as a non-executive director with immediate effect.

Her departure comes within weeks of the resignation of Barclays' top three directors – the chairman Marcus Agius, chief executive Bob Diamond and chief operating officer Jerry del Missier.

Ms Carnwath, who also chairs Land Securities, said: "With regret I have concluded that I am no longer able to devote sufficient time to my role as a director of Barclays."

Earlier this year 22.5 per cent of investors voted against her reappointment at the annual meeting amid a row over Mr Diamond's pay packet.