The man who was just a few weeks away from becoming Bradford College’s chief executive before announcing he would not be taking on the role has revealed his motivations.

Anthony Bravo was due to become CEO of the college in September, but on Thursday it emerged he had changed his mind and would not be taking the job. He will instead stay on as principal of Basingstoke College of Technology in Hampshire.

It means Bradford College, which is due to open its £50 million Hockney Building in September, needs to find a new replacement for chief executive Michele Sutton.

Mr Bravo has now said he reconsidered because he did not want to uproot his family.

Mr Bravo said: “While I was away I had time to reflect on the decision and the potential impact on my family and felt the distance would be too disruptive.”