Lee said the resignations of Tan Chuan-Jin and Cheng Li Hui, were necessary to uphold the standards of the People’s Action Party (PAP), Reuters reported.

Earlier today, it was reported that Tan, who is also the Speaker of the House, and Cheng had submitted their resignation.

Lee was reported to have said that Tan had “fallen short” in the matter of his personal conduct.

He said he understood Tan’s desire to step away from politics and “help heal” his family but did not elaborate further.

Tan’s resignation follows a video clip that went viral on social media in which he was heard using an “unparliamentary word” towards an opposition MP, apparently unaware his microphone was still on.

In his resignation letter, Tan admitted to uttering the word which was “rude and unparliamentary”.

Meanwhile, Lee’s office did not give any reason for Cheng’s resignation.

Channel NewsAsia reported that Lee had spoken to Tan about the relationship in February and the latter admitted to it before offering his resignation.

Lee said he accepted Tan’s resignation but that it had to wait while the party made arrangements to look after Tan’s constituents. He also ordered Tan to end his relationship with Cheng.

However, Lee said he came across information very recently that suggested Tan and Cheng were still in a relationship.

“I decided then that Mr Tan had to go forthwith, whether or not the arrangements were ready. It could not wait any longer,” he was quoted as saying.