Hoover resigns Speaker position

Representative Jeff Hoover resigned as Kentucky House Speaker Monday, but did not resign his House seat.

He said he’d step down as speaker in November after it was revealed he and three other House members secretly settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a staffer. Since that time, Hoover says he’s been approached by members of the House and of the public who wanted him to stand up to Gov. Matt Bevin.

The Jamestown Republican is blaming the scandal on a former staff member.

He claims he never engaged in unethical behavior or sexual harassment.

Hoover says the ordeal put him into depression.

Speaker Pro Tem David Osborne has overseen the House this session and accepted Hoover’s resignation.