UN environment chief resigns after frequent flying revelations

Erik Solheim quits after Guardian reveals excess travel and rule breaking which led to withholding of funds

The UN's environment chief, Erik Solheim, has resigned following severe criticism of his global travels and internal rule-breaking which led some nations to withhold their funding.

The Guardian understands Solheim was asked to resign by the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres. Sources at the UN Environment Programme (Unep) said that countries unhappy with Solheim's conduct were holding back tens of millions of dollars, threatening a financial crisis at the body.