#BREAKING Portsmouth City source says City Manager Lydia Pettis-Patton has submitted her resignation effective immediately http://wtkr.com/news 

In brief email, she writes - "Through prayer and reflection, I have decided that in the best interest of the city of Portsmouth, to step aside immediately as City Manager conditioned upon the city meeting it's obligations owed to me under my contract." http://wtkr.com/news 

She was scheduled to resign at the end of the year any way. City Council is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at noon http://wtkr.com/news 

City Council meeting begins and immediately goes into closed session. No mention of City Manager's resignation - other than to say their closed meeting will discuss her performance and the City Attorney's performance http://wtkr.com/news 

City Council votes to accept the resignation of the City Manager. 4-3 vote http://wtkr.com/news 

Deputy City Manager LaVoris Pace will be interim City Manager http://wtkr.com/news 

#BREAKING City Attorney Solomon Ashby has been fired by the city council. 4-3 vote again. http://wtkr.com/news 

So far - Council member Elizabeth Psimas is only one to make any on-the-record comments. "The majority of city council has lost confidence in their ability to lead us in the right direction and keep us informed of important issues." http://wtkr.com/mews 

Psimas continues - "I wish them both well and have every confidence that Mr. Pace and Mr. Stromberg will keep the city moving forward and put a stop to the endless drama." http://wtkr.com/news 

Mayor Rowe says the city had been retaining outside law firms without city council’s knowledge. Says he’s not sure how much was spent but calls it “unacceptable.” http://wtkr.com/news