The shock departure this week of British Council director-general David Drewry will not affect the fundamental strategic review he initiated, the council said this week. The board endorsed his planned programme of further rationalisation and belt-tightening this week. Although the council has received more money, it intends to "focus more" on specific countries. A spokeswoman insisted that chairman Helena Kennedy had not overruled or vetoed any of Dr Drewry's strategic decisions.