Lloyd’s marine underwriter’s main representative body, the Joint Hull Committee (JHC), is in limbo after losing its leader — who could yet return.

The JHC was chaired by Peter Townsend who voluntarily stepped down after Lloyd’s syndicate AmTrust closed its marine division last month and he lost his job as chief underwriter.

However, the JHC will not immediately replace Townsend, leaving the door open for him to resume the post.