The resignation came as Emmanuel Macron, the independent centrist candidate, solidified his position as favourite to win France's upcoming presidential election. Mr Macron has pledged to ban the practice of MPs employing family members and to pass a law "moralising" politics in France.

In this case, satirical TV show Quotidien reported on Monday that Mr Le Roux employed his two daughters 24 times as parliamentary assistants during their school breaks for a total payment of €55,000 (£48,000).

By comparison, Mr Fillon is suspected of paying his wife Penelope and two of their children around €1 million in parliamentary funds for fictitious jobs.

In a brief statement, Mr Le Roux said: "I have tendered my resignation. to the President, which allows me without any considerations as a man and father to affirm my honesty."

While it is legal in France for politicians to hire family members, the report suggests Mr Le Roux' daughters did not perform all of the work and were first hired while still in high school.