The American multi-millionaire who resigned as chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) was paid nearly £400,000 for "loss of office".

Jack Lemley, who quit seven months into his four-year contract, received a total of £611,000 for working two days a week, the ODA's annual report revealed.

The amount included £58,000 for travel and accommodation expenses, £165,000 in wages and a £388,000 payoff.

Opposition parties condemned the payoff.

"Have you ever heard anyone that has resigned from a job and then gets nearly £400,000, let alone with taxpayers money?" asked Dee Doocey, London Assembly member for the Liberal Democrats.

"It would take a police officer 12 years to earn this kind of money - it's an absolute outrage."

Hugh Robertson, the Shadow Olympics Minister, added: "Such a large sum does not reflect well on the Government's stewardship of the Olympic project."

At first, Mr Lemley said he resigned to spend more time on his construction business. But he later said he left because political in-fighting hampered the massive project.

Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister, said: "Jack Lemley left the ODA last year by mutual agreement, bringing to an end a difficult episode.

"Compensation for loss of office was agreed in the normal way, with both sides receiving legal advice and agreeing it was better to resolve the matter speedily by mutual agreement rather than by wasting time and money in the courts."

The ODA's report showed Mr Lemley was paid more than the body's chief executive, David Higgins, who worked full-time.

Mr Higgins earned a £360,000 salary plus £215,000 in performance bonuses - totalling £575,000.

The International Olympic Committee had praised his contribution to keep London's preparations on schedule.