Alex Allan, the UK government's e-commerce representative has resigned from his post after less than a year due to his wifes illness and cited purely personal reasons for his leaving.

He is expected to leave his post by the end of the month. Allan, will be returning to Australia, where he was formerly High Commissioner.

The resignation has sparked speculation on successors and the Government has revealed that potential candidates could come from outsdie the civil service. Sir Richard Wilson who is currently Cabinet Secretary will be making future arrangements to cover any gap.

The first annual report on Britain's progress regarding e-economy was due for publication next week, however, it has already been delayed three months in order to take into account Gordon Brown's spending review.