The leader of the separatist party in Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec has stepped down less than a year after being elected.
The abrupt resignation on Monday of Parti Quebecois leader Pierre Karl Peladeau, 54, a former chief executive of Quebec's largest media company, Quebecor Inc, led to speculation he may return to the business world.
He became the party's leader in May 2015 promising to take Quebec out of Canada and make it a country, but he struggled to make gains against the ruling provincial Liberals.
"I had to make a choice between my family and our political project," Peladeau said during a surprise news conference.
"I chose my family."
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Speculation about Peladeau's political future had increased after his marriage last year to talk-show host and producer Julie Snyder foundered.
The two announced a separation in January, at which time, Peladeau said he would stay on as leader.
During its previous times in government, the Parti Quebecois unsuccessfully held two referendums on the province seceding from Canada, but recent polls showed the cause had faded as a priority with voters.
