David Petraeus resigns as head of CIA

David Petraeus today resigned as director of  the CIA after admitting an extra-marital affair.

The former general had been one of the most  respected figures in the military and intelligence establishment, but has  stepped down to deal with the fallout of confessing to cheating on Holly, his  wife of 37 years.

He had been sworn in as head of the CIA in  September 2011 after serving as head of the coalition forces first in Iraq and  then in Afghanistan.