Todd Barclay announced today he would be standing down from his candidacy for the Clutha-Southland seat in the 2017 election
He has been under pressure over recordings he is alleged to have made of a staffer in his Gore electorate office.
Prime Minister Bill English has been facing accusations of a cover-up from his political opponents over the controversy.
Mr Barclay yesterday apologised for statements he made about the matter that put him at odds with Mr English.
Toby Morris gives his take.