50-year-old Mr Joyce left earlier today two weeks after it emerged that he had been in a sexual relationship with his 33-year-old former press officer.  She due to give birth in April.His resignation brings to a close a raging political row over his behaviour that saw Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian prime minister, accuse Mr Joyce, his coalition partner, of a “shocking error of judgment.” Mr Turnbull also publicly told his deputy that he should consider his position.The deputy prime minister had to resign after an unidentified woman accused him of sexual harassment.

The politician denied the allegations.  He even demanded that they be referred to the police.  He said it was obvious that he could not continue to face the parliament as deputy prime minister “while issues like that are surrounding you.”

Mr Joyce complained that he was a victim of well informed leaks, believed to have emerged from within the government.