The spokeswoman for Spain’s ruling PSOE has resigned after it emerged her partner runs a property business managing dozens of flats.

Montse Minguez announced she was stepping down from her role and would not seek re-election as an MP for Lleida.

Her departure comes amid intense debate over Spain’s housing crisis and nationwide demonstrations demanding affordable homes.

In a statement shared on social media, Minguez said she was taking ‘a step back’ with a clear conscience and her principles intact.

She said she believed the decision was best for the party’s collective project, adding that responsibility should come before personal considerations.

There is no suggestion that her partner’s business is in any way illegal.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed regret at her departure, describing her as a good person and an excellent politician.

He said he told her not to resign, but that she was ‘broken’ and that ‘the level of aggression and hate is sometimes too much.’

He said Minguez had cited personal reasons for leaving politics and that he respected her decision.

The opposition Partido Popular accused the Socialists of hypocrisy over housing.

Its secretary-general, Miguel Tellado, argued that the resignation exposed a gap between the party’s public message and the conduct of its representatives.

Cristina Moron Molina, Lleida’s third deputy mayor, will replace Minguez at the top of the PSC’s candidate list for the constituency in the November 29 general election.