Setback for McCormack as lieutenant quits

DEPUTY Prime Minister Michael McCormack has lost an important lieutenant, with the resignation of the Member for Mallee Andrew Broad.

Mr Broad, who was the assistant minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, quit the ministry following claims about inappropriate behaviour. He is to continue in his role as a backbench MP.

"Mr Broad will continue as an effective and hardworking Member for Mallee, a role he has capably held since 2013," the ABC quoted Mr McCormack as saying.