Hollande adviser Aquilino Morelle quits amid conflict of interest claims

A close adviser to Francois Hollande resigned yesterday after allegations about an alleged conflict of interest and his extravagant lifestyle, in a fresh blow to the beleaguered French president.

Aquilino Morelle, 51, had been under pressure after investigative website Mediapart alleged he breached ethical guidelines for public servants by doing work for pharmaceutical companies in 2007, while he was a senior official in the ministry for social affairs.

Mediapart reported that Morelle, the head of Hollande's communications operation, maintained a collection of 30 pairs of handmade shoes at the Elysee that were professionally polished every two months.

The adviser's taste for the best things in life also reportedly led to him regularly raiding the palace's celebrated wine cellar for fine vintages to accompany working lunches.

Morelle has not contested the accuracy of the shoes revelation and has confirmed Mediapart's claim that the two chauffeurs at his disposal were sometimes tasked with picking up his son from school, citing his "extremely busy schedule".

He had, however, denied the conflict of interest charges.