NEW YORK, Aug 11 (CNA) - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned on Tuesday (Aug 10) following an inquiry that found he sexually harassed 11 women and in the face of mounting legal pressure and demands for his departure by President Joe Biden and others, a startling downfall for a man once seen as a possible US presidential contender.

Cuomo, a Democrat who had served since 2011 as governor of the fourth most-populous US state, made the announcement after New York Attorney General Letitia James on Aug 3 released the results of a five-month independent investigation that concluded he had engaged in conduct that violated US and state laws.

In a televised 20-minute address, Cuomo again denied any wrongdoing, though he said he accepted "full responsibility" for offending the women through what he characterised as ill-conceived attempts to be affectionate or humorous.

He said he had concluded that fighting the accusations while remaining in office would paralyse state government and cost taxpayers millions of dollars at a time when the coronavirus pandemic still poses a major threat.

"I think, given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government - and therefore that's what I'll do," he said, adding that his resignation would take effect in 14 days.

The investigation, detailed in a 168-page report, found that Cuomo groped, kissed or made suggestive comments to women including current and former government workers - one a state trooper - and retaliated against at least one woman who accused him of sexual misconduct.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat from western New York, will take over as governor of the state of more than 19 million people until the end of Cuomo's term in December 2022 as outlined in the state's constitution, becoming the first woman to hold the post.