Rory Field will continue as the Director of Public Prosecutions after the Bermudian chosen to replace him was dropped without any public explanation.

A short statement from Government House alluded to problems behind the scenes however, mentioning that unspecified ‘developments’ had meant the planned appointment could not go ahead.

Mr Field was appointed in September 2007 and reappointed in 2010 with the intention, according to a Government House spokesperson, that he would be succeeded by a Bermudian, if possible.

Governor George Ferguson has now announced the current DDP will continue in the post for a further year

The spokesperson said: “A competition for the post was therefore launched earlier this year, limited to Bermudian candidates. In the event, only one application was received.”

A panel was convened by the Governor and chaired by the Deputy Governor, to advise him on the appointment.

“This panel recommended, after some consideration, that the candidate would be qualified for the appointment, subject to a suggested transitional period.

“The Governor accepted this recommendation and had begun to set its implementation in train. However, in the light of certain subsequent developments, it became untenable for the appointment to proceed.”

Yesterday’s statement said the Governor was grateful to Mr Field for his agreement to continue for a further year.

Reports began circulating last month amid mounting concern with Bermuda’s legal fraternity that Bermudian Cindy Clarke was being passed over for promotion.

Several lawyers were said to have attended a special meeting convened to discuss the subject at the end of the month.

Shortlisted and interviewed for the job, Ms Clarke’s name was said to have been put forward as the new designate pending further training.