Lawmakers in the New York Assembly will suspend their impeachment investigation of Governor Andrew Cuomo in light of his promise to step down from office over sexual harassment complaints, Speaker Carl Heastie says.

The assembly, controlled by Cuomo’s fellow Democrats, opened the impeachment investigation in March after at least two women who formerly worked for the governor went public with complaints that Cuomo had sexually harassed them. 

A damning report released this month by New York Attorney-General Letitia James, also a Democrat, concluded Cuomo had broken state and federal law by kissing, groping or making lewd comments to at least 11 women, including aides and a state trooper.

Cuomo said in a video broadcast on Tuesday he would resign after a decade running the state and leave office in two weeks. He has denied harassing anyone, though he has acknowledged making some women uncomfortable by engaging in what he characterised as well-intentioned efforts to show affection.

Heastie said the impeachment inquiry was no longer needed since its purpose was “to determine whether Governor Cuomo should remain in office”.

He also said lawmakers had been advised the state’s constitution did not allow the legislature to impeach an elected official who was no longer in office.

Lindsey Boylan, a former aide who was the first woman to accuse Cuomo publicly in December, called the Assembly’ decision an “unjust copout”.

“The public deserves to know the extent of the Governor’s misdeeds and possible crimes,” she said.

If impeached in the assembly, Cuomo would have faced a trial in the state Senate, which also has a Democratic majority. A conviction would permit lawmakers to bar Cuomo from ever holding public office in New York again.

AAP

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