Peruvian Prime Minister Alberto Otarola has resigned following allegations that he tried to use his influence to help women secure lucrative government contracts.
The scandal escalated last week when a Peruvian television station aired an audio clip of their conversation.
Mr Otarola, 57, denies any wrongdoing.
A formal investigation into this allegation has been launched.
According to Panorama, which first aired the clip over the weekend, the woman Otarola is talking about is 25-year-old Yajire Pinedo.
Pinedo reportedly signed two employment contracts at the Ministry of Defense in 2023, paying a total of 53,000 soles ($14,000, £11,000).
Mr Otalola served as Minister of Defense of Peru until the end of 2022 when President Dina Bolarte took office and promoted him.
In the audio clip, Mr Otalola can be heard declaring his love for the woman and asking her to send him her resume.
This comment appears to contradict statements made before his release that he had only met Mr. Pinedo once at a meeting.
She told Peruvian broadcaster Canal N on Tuesday that she previously had a brief relationship with him.
Both parties claimed that the audio recordings were from a conversation in 2021 before Mr Otalola became a cabinet minister.
Despite hisPresident Bolarte requested an early return from an official visit to Canada, which led to his resignation.
Mr Otalola said in his resignation speech.
Among those accused of taking part in a conspiracy to defame him is former Prime Minister Martín Vizcarra, who said on social media that he categorically rejected the delusional accusations.’
Under Peruvian law, all 18 of Peru’s ministers must follow Mr. Otalola and submit their resignations, but the president has the option to reelect them if he wishes.
The Peruvian government is no stranger to upheaval. Mr. Bolarte has ordered several cabinet reshuffles since coming to power in an effort to quell opposition to his leadership.