Richard Ferrand, during a campaign rally | Charles Platiau/EPA Macron minister Richard Ferrand rejects calls for resignation over nepotism scandal Majority of voters want embattled minister to resign, according to a new poll.

Richard Ferrand, a key aide to President Emmanuel Macron, maintained his innocence in the face of nepotism allegations days after his appointment as France's minister for territorial cohesion.

Appearing on France Inter radio on Wednesday, Ferrand rejected calls to resign, insisting he was not under investigation and his "conscience is clear."

Ferrand, who is also the secretary-general of Macron’s République En Marche party, has been beset with allegations of potential misconduct over recent days.

The weekly Canard Enchainé reported he received a discount on renting office space from his partner’s real estate company while he was heading a health insurance fund. French daily Le Monde alleged Ferrand had repeatedly used business contacts for personal gain, including hiring a deputy's partner as his assistant in parliament and channeling the health insurance fund's legal contracts to a former partner.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe defended Ferrand on Tuesday, saying he could remain in his post. But he added that "a minister who is formally charged must resign, there is no ambiguity there."

Ferrand is not the only Macron minister facing claims of wrongdoing.

French media reported Tuesday that European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez was under investigation for dubious hiring practices during her tenure as a member of European Parliament. De Sarnez denied any wrongdoing, saying her staff appointments adhered to Parliament regulations.

The reports pose a dilemma for Macron, who promised to return "morality to public life" after the embezzlement and nepotism scandals surrounded his rivals for the presidency, François Fillon and Marine Le Pen, during the election campaign earlier this year.

Macron has not commented on any of the allegations, directing press inquiries to the prime minister's office, Le Monde said.

A Harris Interactive poll published in Atlantico on Wednesday indicated a majority of French voters want both Ferrand and de Sarnez to resign.