The mayor of a small local authority area west of Arnhem has resigned several weeks after he was caught in a compromising photograph while drunk.

Jean Paul Gebben, who represents the right-wing Liberal VVD, was on duty at the time when he was photographed in the centre of Arnhem embracing a girl.

Gebben first apologised for his actions but has now agreed to quit because of the difficult relationship his actions have created with town hall officials, Dutch media report.

The 51-year-old mayor has always denied there was anything inappropriate in his relationship with the girl, 17, who is a friend of one of his sons. The girl had simply kissed him on the cheek three times before he got in a taxi to go home, he is quoted as saying in the Telegraaf.

Gebben described his actions as extremely stupid. ‘You should never hang around the Korenmarkt drunk as a father, let alone a mayor,’ he said.

Christian Democrat Hein Bloemen has been appointed acting mayor.