Mr Kurz, who already quit as Austrian Chancellor last month, is stepping down from his role as leader of the People's Party (？VP) following pressure over corruption allegations. Interior Minister Karl Nehammer is tipped to take over as ？VP leader.

       Mr Kurz is said to be stepping down as his "enthusiasm" was "lost" due to the corruption claims.

       He also reportedly wants to spend more time with his newborn son.

       Mr Kurz and nine others were under investigation following raids at locations linked to the ？VP.

       He denies allegations he used government money for favourable polls to be published in a newspaper.

       Mr Kurz said last month: "What's required now is stability.

       "To resolve the impasse I want to step aside to prevent chaos.

       He insisted he would continue to be leader of his party and sit in parliament as he fought the charges against him.

       Mr Kurz said: "First and foremost, however, I will of course use the opportunity to disprove the allegations against me."

       The corruption allegations relate to the period between 2016 and 2018.

       Finance ministry funds are alleged to have been used to ensure favourable polls in a newspaper.

       The Prosecutors' Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption said last month that Mr Kurz, nine other individuals and three organisations had been placed under investigation "on suspicion of breach of trust ... corruption ... and bribery ... partly with different levels of involvement".

       Mr Kurz has described the claims against him as "baseless".

       Mr Kurz became leader of the ？VP in May 2017.

       He led the party to victory in Austria's elections later that year.

       A top job in the private sector is said to be waiting for Mr Kurz.

       Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg.

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