Pablo Rodriguez has resigned as leader of the Quebec Liberal Party just six months after taking on the role, saying his continued presence had become a distraction as the party prepares for the next provincial election.

Speaking to reporters in Montreal, Rodriguez said he made the decision out of a sense of responsibility to the party, adding that unity will be critical if the Liberals hope to rebuild support and challenge the governing Coalition Avenir Québec next year. He said he is leaving with his head held high, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure.

Rodriguez, a former federal cabinet minister, acknowledged he had hoped to lead the party into the next election and return it to power. However, he said the current situation risks undermining the party’s ability to focus on policy development and voter outreach at a crucial time.

The resignation follows allegations of wrongdoing during the Liberal leadership race he won in June, including claims of vote-buying. Rodriguez announced his decision to step down to the party’s caucus on Wednesday. He has denied any personal involvement in wrongdoing and said anyone found to have violated party rules should face consequences.

The Quebec Liberal Party has struggled in recent years, particularly outside Montreal, and the leadership shakeup adds to uncertainty as it looks to regain relevance with francophone voters and younger demographics across the province.