Andrew Younger’s temporary leave from the Nova Scotia cabinet is the result of an alleged assault he suffered at the hands of a former female Liberal staffer, sources have told CBC News.

According to those sources, it happened at a celebration to mark the Liberals being sworn into office in October 2013.

The incident was not reported to police at the time, but came to light during a recent investigation into threats made against Younger.

Laurel Munroe, the premier's communications adviser, refused to confirm the reason behind Younger's temporary leave.

She would only repeat the official line released just after noon on Dec. 23, that Younger needed time away from his duties to deal with "personal matters that require his full attention."

Munroe said Younger first approached the premier's chief of staff Kirby McVicar on Dec. 19 to talk about possibly requesting a leave of absence.

She says the formal request came through on Dec. 23.

As for the reasons behind the request, Munroe said it was up to Younger to provide any further detail.

"He hasn't been told not to speak," she said. "It's totally up to him."

Younger continues to draw his cabinet minister’s salary, despite the fact his cabinet colleague Michel Samson has official responsibility for his portfolios — energy, Communications Nova Scotia and part of the Gaming Control Act.

Younger said he can't comment on the situation.