LOUISVILLE — The embattled chief spokesman for Gov. Ernie Fletcher was forced to resign yesterday after a week in which he accused a faction of Republican officials of purposely undermining his boss and used profanity in an interview with reporters.

Brett Hall, who had served as the governor’s communications director since September, tendered his resignation at the request of Fletcher’s chief of staff, Stan Cave.

“I just reflected over the time and decided it was time to make a change,” Cave said. “I like Brett. Brett’s very capable and did a lot of good. And it saddened me to take the action that I did.”

Hall’s resignation is effective June 15.

Cave said several missteps led to the resignation.

Friday night Cave had to apologize to Kentucky Republican Party Chairman Darrell Brock Jr. after Hall told the Associated Press that Brock was part of a faction that “wants the governor out and has been working on this for some time.”

Brock said the comments were the result of “political paranoia.”

Fletcher said yesterday that Hall’s comments were unauthorized.

“It was not the intent or belief of this administration or me,” he told reporters.

Hall, 54, didn’t return messages yesterday.

In a brief written statement, he said, “Serving Governor Fletcher has been the height of my career. I wish the governor and first lady my best regards.”

Besides the comments about Brock, Hall caused a stir Thursday when he responded with “F— no” to a reporter’s question about whether the governor has any plans to resign.

Cave said he received mixed feedback about Hall’s public use of profanity.

“Some were dismayed by what was said. Many recognized the frustration that builds from a liberal media that’s against this administration,” Cave said. “That surprised me that people were that perceptive.”

Cave said he informed the governor yesterday morning about his decision to ask for Hall’s resignation.

“He was saddened by it as well because he really liked Brett and knew how hard he worked,” Cave said.

Fletcher said yesterday in a statement, “Brett’s broad knowledge has been an asset to me and my administration.”

Hall, a longtime campaign consultant from New Jersey, started working with the governor as a paid adviser last August upon the recommendation of Hollywood producer Fred Davis, who handled Fletcher’s election ads in 2003.

At the time, Fletcher was preparing to pardon administration officials who were being investigated by Democratic Attorney General Greg Stumbo for possible violations of state government hiring laws. Fletcher has since been indicted on three misdemeanor charges by a special grand jury investigating the administration’s personnel practices.

During his nine-month tenure, Hall aggressively defended Fletcher with colorful quotes and consistently painted the hiring probe as an unprecedented political witch hunt by Stumbo.

Hall, paid an annual salary of $105,000, was the fifth person to hold the post in this administration. He also coordinated the governor’s scheduling, speech writing and the advance staff, which helps plan events. Hall followed Carla Blanton, Doug Hogan and Wes Irvin as full-time communications directors. Former Commerce Secretary Jim Host handled the duties for a two-month stint in 2004.

Hall’s replacement hasn’t been named.