New York mayor joins calls for Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct claims

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Andrew Cuomo speaks at a vaccination site at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The mayor of New York has joined calls for governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct claims.

Bill de Blasio joined growing calls for the 63-year-old to step down saying Cuomo “just can’t serve as governor anymore”.

It comes after six woman, most of whom are former aides, accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct.

He denies the allegations.

The latest woman to come forward told The Times-Union newspaper on Wednesday that Cuomo had groped her after calling her to the executive mansion last year under the guise of business.

She said it was not the first time he had touched her and said he was frequently flirtatious, the paper reported.

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Mr Cuomo speaking at a vaccination site in New York.
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Reuters could not independently verify the aides identity or her account.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said on Thursday that he authorised the Judiciary Committee to start an “impeachment investigation” into the sexual misconduct allegations.

The investigation, which would run parallel to one being led by the state Attorney General, will include an interview of witnesses, subpoena documents and an evaluation of evidence, Heastie said.

According to Reuters, the speaker also said that the governor should “seriously consider whether he can effectively meet the needs of the people of New York.”

Although Cuomo issued a broad apology at a news conference last week for any behavior that made women feel uncomfortable, he maintained that he has never touched anyone inappropriately.

He also said he will not resign and has asked the public to wait for the results of the investigation before making judgment.

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