Former Vodafone chief executive Sir Christopher Gent yesterday gave up his honorary position of life president of the group as the mobile phone giant sought to quash rumours of a board-room rift.
At the same time Vodaf one's chairman Lord MacLaurin issued a statement publicly backing its chief executive Arun Sarin following claims that he had tried to have the new boss ousted.
Lord MacLaurin said he was "totally supportive" of Mr Sarin, adding that he viewed reports of a rift with "great concern".
The moves come in the wake of extensive speculation over the weekend that Lord MacLaurin had been attempting to force out Mr Sarin following a run of disappointing announcements from the company.
Sir Christopher said he was relinquishing his position following talk he had used it to interfere with the company and obstruct the current management, allegations that he said were "without foundation".
Lord MacLaurin said in a statement: "On my return from a business trip to South Africa I have read the recent press comment about Vodafone with great concern.
"I want to make it clear that I and the board are totally supportive of our chief executive Arun Sarin, as he takes the company forward in changing and challenging times. Any other suggestion is completely untrue."
Last week Peter Bamford, the group's chief marketing officer, was ousted.
