Wessex Exploration chief David Bramhill bows out

David Bramhill, the oil executive who led Wessex Exploration on to the AIM, quit as chairman yesterday with immediate effect.

Wessex did not offer a reason for Mr Bramhill's departure, but said his contract would be paid up and that he would retain his share options.

Wessex received a £71m, 10p-a-share takeover bid from Total last month. It walked away.