The president of the train drivers' union Aslef has resigned.

Martin Samways gave up the post on Thursday following weeks of speculation over his own and two senior colleagues' futures.

Samways was involved in a fight with general secretary Shaun Brady and assistant general secretary Mick Blackburn at a barbecue at the union's Hampstead headquarters last month.

All three were subsequently suspended while the TUC was brought in to mediate.

Brady, a Blairite who won a surprise election against his predecessor Mick Rix last year, was reported recently to have rejected a substantial offer in exchange for him stepping down.

But it appears leftwinger Samways has accepted a similar deal, which will put pressure on his rival to draw a line under the affair.

The union has been suffering from internal splits for months, with Brady having complained of not being allowed to do his job because of the ruling executive - headed by Samways - being in permanent session.

Samways said in a statement: "May I say that my actions, along with others on the evening of that fateful night, have brought a huge shame on Aslef.

"I also believe, rightly, that we also brought Aslef into disrepute. It is that alone, that I feel, because of my great love for Aslef, its members, its good name and traditions, that I should do what is right for Aslef, and in an honourable way I tender my resignation as the guardian of the highest lay member office in Aslef.

"I made a mistake, and like all human beings, we are all capable of making mistakes. However, I am not excusing my behaviour whatsoever.

"I am big enough to admit my mistakes, and to try and rectify that mistake by acknowledging that I should resign my positions in the union forthwith."