One of Islington town hall’s most senior housing figures has been dismissed and will leave his post on Friday, the Gazette understands.

Patrick Odling-Smee, Islington Council’s director of housing, is thought to have been relieved of his duties at an emotional meeting at Highbury House, in Highbury Crescent, last week.

Following the summit, which left some participants in tears, Mr Odling-Smee was allegedly asked to leave his £107,000 a year post with just eight days’ notice.

The reason for his dismissal is unclear, but council insiders have linked it to a plan by the town hall to move housing staff from Highbury House to another office in Islington at a cost of £2million.

The moves comes into effect next month.

Mr Odling-Smee has been described as a good officer who always did his job.

It is understood that he had been in the post since 2008.

A spokesman for Islington Council said they were unable to confirm or deny if the director had lost his job.