US:NEW YORK governor Eliot Spitzer has announced his resignation following allegations that he used the services of an expensive prostitution agency, declaring that he could not allow his "private failings" to disrupt the work of government.
Appearing before reporters in his Manhattan office, Mr Spitzer was joined by his wife of 20 years, Silda Wall Spitzer, as he announced that he would leave office next Monday.
"Over the course of my public life, I've insisted, I think correctly, that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself," Spitzer said, before leaving without answering questions.
An FBI wiretap caught a man they identified as Mr Spitzer arranging to meet a call girl at a Washington hotel last month following an investigation into large cash transfers from his bank accounts.
The governor, who rose to prominence as a prosecutor who pursued corruption on Wall Street, made a public apology on Monday but has given no details of his admitted wrongdoing.
It remains unclear if he will face charges for soliciting and paying for sex, which is a felony in the District of Columbia, although US media reports have claimed that he is negotiating with prosecutors.
Mr Spitzer could also face charges under the little-used Mann Act, which makes transportation of someone across a state line for prostitution a federal crime, because he allegedly arranged for the woman to travel from New York to meet him in Washington.
In a statement issued after Mr Spitzer's resignation, US attorney Michael Garcia said there was as yet no deal agreed with the governor.
Mr Spitzer was elected governor in 2006 with almost 70 per cent of the vote but his first year in office was marked by clashes with the state legislature and a controversial attempt to issue drivers' licences to illegal immigrants, which he later abandoned.
He will be succeeded by Lieut Governor David Patterson, who will become New York's first black governor and the first governor in US history who is legally blind.
A childhood infection left Mr Patterson with severe visual impairment, although he has enough sight in his right eye to allow him to walk without assistance and to read some documents.
Unlike Mr Spitzer, whose abrasive manner alienated many New York legislators, Mr Patterson is known for his conciliatory style and enjoys warm relationships with Republicans and Democrats alike.
"Like all New Yorkers I am saddened by what we have learned over the past several days," Mr Patterson said yesterday.
"On a personal level Governor Spitzer and Silda have been close and steadfast friends.
" As an elected official the governor has worked hard for the people of New York . . . It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us."