"The public needs to be reassured that the company is properly run, and that its ability to offer high class productions for all to enjoy is not jeopardized as a result of current management problems," Swire wrote.

"Though I fully support the ENO in its purpose and aims," he added, "there is clearly a perceived crisis of confidence in the management. We cannot allow any organization which receives (as it did last year) Ô£16 million of annual subsidy from the taxpayer to be immune from proper scrutiny."