Macron's new government loses third minister as MoDem's Bayrou resigns

François Bayrou, French justice minister and key ally of Emmanuel Macron, has resigned from his position as his MoDem party face allegations of corruption.

Newly-elected president Macron has indicated that he will be reshuffling his cabinet in the coming days, with all three members from the MoDem party now having left the government.

Macron’s En Marche party teamed up with MoDem during his successful presidential campaign earlier this year, but ties appear to have been cut with the party’s four ministers leaving their roles in the last 48 hours.

Defence minister Sylvie Goulard and other Macron allies Richard Ferrand and Marielle de Samez are the others which have resigned in recent days.

Macron gained victory in the presidential election and the first round of legislative elections based on En Marche’s promise to rid corruption from French politics.

MoDem has been accused of using European Union funds to pay party workers, and will face an inquiry in the country.

The departures come as Macron faces a crucial early test of his presidency, with the introduction of new anti-terrorism legislation on Thursday. French media have reported that the emergency removal of certain civil liberties may be made permanent.