The Britney Spears conservatorship saga has just taken another twist after her long-term manager apparently offered his resignation in a very public manner.

Larry Rudolph, who has steered Spears' career for the past 25 years - apart from a couple of brief spells - addressed his letter of resignation to her father Jamie and Jodi Montgomery, who both remain the 39-year-old's conservators, and CCed her court-appointed lawyer Samuel Ingham.

It was published by Deadline and read: "It has been over 2 1/2 years since Britney and I last communicated, at which time she informed me she wanted to take an indefinite work hiatus. Earlier today, I became aware that Britney had been voicing her intention to officially retire.

"As you know, I have never been a part of the conservatorship nor its operations, so I am not privy to many of these details. I was originally hired at Britney’s request to help manage and assist her with her career.

“And as her manager, I believe it is in Britney’s best interest for me to resign from her team as my professional services are no longer needed.

“Please accept this letter as my formal resignation.”

It concluded: "I will always be incredibly proud of what we accomplished over our 25 years together. I wish Britney all the health and happiness in the world, and I’ll be there for her if she ever needs me again, just as I always have been."

Neither Spears nor anyone from her team have commented on the letter. During her conservatorship hearing last month, she claimed that she had been forced to perform against her will.

Her last performance was during the final show of her 'Piece of Me' tour in October 2018 and Rudolph had hinted as far back as 2019 that she may never perform again.

The next conservatorship hearing is due to take place on July 14th.