Lacking Executive Council support, Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell of Littleton turned in his resignation, effective Oct. 17.

Two months ago, three Republicans on the five-person council said they opposed a third four-year term for Caswell, who had the support of many business leaders in the state.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte had agreed to keep Caswell in a holdover status in the hope, she said, that councilors could be persuaded to change their minds.

But Councilors John Stephen of Manchester, David Wheeler of Milford and Joe Kenney of Wakefield all have said their opposition to Caswell would not change.

“I want to thank Commissioner Caswell for all his service to the state,” Ayotte said.

Councilor Karen Liot Hill of Lebanon, the lone Democrat on the council, called C

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