British prime minister's deputy resigns over conduct probe

Green's resignation comes as part of a broader scandal over sexual harassment at Westminster, which erupted weeks ago and prompted the departure of Defence Secretary Michael Fallon last month.

Numerous other claims have been made against those working in politics, prompting the prime minister to call for rules on MPs' behaviour to be toughened.

Green's position had been under question during the investigation, although his resignation was not a foregone conclusion.

A former journalist, Green was first elected to parliament in 1997 and rose through the ranks to become work and pensions secretary last year under May.

He was promoted to the position of first secretary of state by the prime minister following the disastrous June election, which saw the Conservatives cling onto power but lose their majority in parliament.

In his resignation letter Green indicated he would stay on as a lawmaker, thanking his constituents for their support and vowing to "continue to argue for the modernising conservatism I have always believed in".

(AFP)