THE DUP special adviser who was at the centre of a Stormont inquiry into claims of political interference in the Housing Executive has left his £92,000 a year job.
First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed Stephen Brimstone, who had been a special adviser (Spad) to both herself and former First Minister Peter Robinson, had left his post to "pursue opportunities in the private sector."
Mr Brimstone was embroiled in political controversy in 2013 when ex-DUP councillor Jenny Palmer claimed he had bullied her in a phone call about a Housing Executive meeting.
He was a Spad to the Social Development Minister at the time but was later promoted to the First Minister's office.
He was accused of telling Mrs Palmer, then the DUP's representative on the Housing Executive board, to change her vote in relation to a contract involving maintenance firm Red Sky, which later went bankrupt.
Mrs Palmer, who has since become an MLA for the Ulster Unionists, alleged that he told her: "The party comes first - you do what you are told."
In its investigation three years ago, the Assembly's former social development committee said Mr Brimstone had been "deliberately evasive" in his answers.
The Stormont committee which investigated the matter also said he failed to provide complete accounts of meetings.
Mr Brimstone denied any wrongdoing and insisted he did not believe he would have used the phrases being attributed to him.
However, the committee said Mr Brimstone did not give MLAs "the information and assistance expected", while Mrs Palmer's evidence was "compelling, consistent and convincing".
The DUP promised Mrs Palmer a public apology after a meeting with Mr Brimstone to be chaired by then party leader Peter Robinson.
Mr Brimstone told the committee he could not give any details about that meeting because it was "internal party business".
Three DUP committee members - Sammy Wilson, Gregory Campbell and Paula Bradley - produced their own report that said the main investigation lacked evidence or credibility, cleared Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland of any wrongdoing, and defended both Mr McCausland and Mr Brimstone.
A spokesman for the First Minister told The Belfast Telegraph: "Stephen Brimstone has left his post in the Executive Office to pursue opportunities in the private sector."
The Executive Office issued a statement wishing Mr Brimstone every success and describing him as a "valued member of staff."
Spads can earn annual salaries stretching to more than £90,000.
Politically appointed but paid from the public purse like civil servants, Spads have been a source of controversy over the years over wages and accountability.
Last October the DUP and Sinn Féin were criticised for blocking an assembly bid to curb Spad spending.
