The Teignbridge District Scout Commissioner sacked last week by the Scout Association has accused the organisation of 'Machiavellian' behaviour with no evidence to support claims of 'problems' within the group.

Trouble flared for 77-year-old Alan Partridge, from Newton Abbot, in June when, despite being feted at Buckingham Palace for his services to Scouting, he was suspended by County Commissioner Russell Gibson.

Despite almost doubling the number of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from 730 to 1,300 since taking charge in 2007, and increasing the number of groups from nine to 17, Mr Partridge clashed with the organisation about management.

He claimed Mr Gibson had told him to stop growing the movement because the county could not cope with the extra training.

As their relationship deteriorated Mr Gibson, a former Navy aircraft engineer appointed Devon Commissioner last year, said in an email to Mr Partridge: 'You aren't the "be all and end all" of this county Alan; none of us are! It's the young people that we are supposed to be here for, not our own self importance and self gratification.'

Mr Gibson pressed ahead with the suspension citing 'formal, public challenges against the decision or policy of The Scout Association' and 'the intentional action or inaction of an individual that could seriously harm the reputation of the Movement.'

An inquiry by the Scout Association has now resulted in Mr Partridge's appointment being 'cancelled' and confirmation that an audit of the Teignbridge District had revealed 'problems', although the details remain private.

The panel also ordered that Mr Gibson be provided with a mentor 'to give him guidance in his role' although it is understood he has now resigned.

A letter from acting County Commissioner John Jarvis to Mr Partridge confirmed his sacking but added: 'On a more positive note I would like to thank you... for your many achievements in Teignbridge.

'It... delivers some excellent Scouting to its young members.'

Mr Partridge told this newspaper: 'I'm being sacked for success. I don't know of anything wrong. the audit was a good one, I was told.

'I was also told I had been breaking the rules but no one has told me where, when or how.

'The sad thing is a new group in Ogwell now won't start, neither will the archery or shooting we had planned.

'I'm disappointed with the treatment I've received. the association's actions have been Machiavellian.'

Scout Association spokesman Simon Carter said with 100,000 adults in the organisation clashes were inevitable.

'Some people have difficulty relating to others,' he said but refused to comment further.