Europe nosedives as central banker quits and Greece looks set to spin out of control

Charles Grant, the director of the think-tank Centre for European Reform, said: "In opposing the bond purchase scheme they are basically saying the euro should not survive in its current form. The only reason the ECB is buying these bonds is to prop up the current system." Mr Grant argued that if Mr Stark's departure led to a more united ECB then it would be good news. "I hope Mr Weidmann learns to be a team player, which Weber and Stark weren't," he said.