A controversial director at Brent Council whose unfair treatment of a black worker resulted in the local authority being found guilty of racial discrimination is to leave her post.

Cara Davani, the council’s HR director, will leave at the end of the month to take a ‘career break’ according to a town hall spokesman.

He added: “The council is grateful for the significant contribution that Cara has made over the last three years.

“Mildred Phillips will become interim director of HR while we consider a range of options for the provision of the council’s HR services.”

Ms Davani attracted criticism following a ruling by Watford Employment Tribunal last September that she had bullied and victimised Rosemarie Clarke leading to her constructive dismissal.

The hearing was told Ms Clarke, who was the head of learning and development at the council, was forced to leave her job because of the actions of Ms Davani who was her line manager.

The council paid £400 so it could lodge an appeal to have the ruling overturned but this was thrown out by the tribunal.

Ms Clarke is expected to claim a substantial sum of compensation from the council.

Despite the ruling, the council announced in February that Ms Davani would manage its ‘new Equality Strategy 2015 – 2019’.

The policy “which promises a “refreshed vision and approach underpinned by the values of fairness, respect for people, valuing diversity and excellence in all our services” was drawn up by Cllr Michael Pavey, deputy leader of the council, following the tribunal ruling,

Ms Davani is also an award-winning dog breeder who runs a successful kennel.