Sarkozy's Treasurer to resign amid political donation allegations

A key aide of French president Nicolas Sarkozy today agreed to resign amid a scandal involving claims of illegal political financing.

Eric Woerth, treasurer of Nicolas Sarkozy’s UMP party, said he will quite at the end of the month, under pressure from Mr Sarkozy.

Mr Woerth said after a cabinet meeting today: “Yes, I will do it.”

Mr Woerth said later he would go on July 30, to allow time to find a successor.

Mr Woerth is also labour minister and is expected to keep that job.

A former accountant for L’Oreal cosmetics heiress Liliane Bettencourt said she gave €150,000 cash to Mr Woerth, as UMP treasurer, during Mr Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign.

He and Mr Sarkozy deny the allegation.