Democrat resigns from Congress following sexual assault allegations

A Democratic representative has said he will resign from Congress following sexual assault allegations.

Eric Swalwell's resignation on Monday comes just days after he suspended his campaign for California governor after the allegations emerged.

The seven-term politician did not specify when exactly he intends to step down.

Mr Swalwell has denied the allegations.

"I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong," Mr Swalwell said.

"But it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress."

The US's House of Representatives Ethics Committee has begun an investigation into the allegations, the panel said on Monday.

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A growing number of politicans, from both sides of the political divide, had called on Mr Swalwell to resign from Congress.

Discussions had taken place about a potential House vote to expel the congressman, but no action had been scheduled when he announced his resignation.

Mr Swalwell, who is originally from Iowa, was elected to the House of Representatives for the district east of San Francisco in 2012. He launched a presential campaign in April 2019 but stopped a few months later after failing to gain momentum with voters.

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