New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned after an inquiry found he sexually harassed multiple women and prompted efforts to remove him.
“The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing,” he said on Tuesday.
His resignation goes into effect in 14 days. Power will then be transferred to Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
Mr Cuomo, 63, faced rising pressure to resign since the state report, including from President Joe Biden.
An inquiry last week from the New York Attorney General’s office found that Mr Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, including state employees. He has denied all the allegations.
Mr Cuomo is now facing criminal inquiries in several counties.
“I’m a fighter and my instinct is to fight through this controversy because I truly believe it is politically motivated, I believe it is unfair and it is untruthful and I believe it demonizes behaviour that is unsustainable for society,” he said in a news conference announcing his decision.
He continued: “New York tough means New York loving, and I love New York, and I love you. I would never want to be unhelpful in any way.”
Source: BBC