Ruling party chair resigns amidst integrity investigation into shady business deal

Henry Keizer is permanently resigning as chairman of the VVD, NU.nl reports. He previously stepped down temporarily pending the outcome of an integrity investigation into a business deal dating from 2012.

Last month research journalists at Follow The Money revealed that Keizer and three business partners purchased funeral home De Faculatieve for way below market value. And at the time of the sale, Keizer was not only the buyer, but also the advisor and chairman of the funeral home he was buying.

Keizer is stepping down permanently on the eve of the VVD congress so that he can pay his full attention to defending himself in the investigation, the Telegraaf reports. "It is necessary, also in the interest of the company's employees, that I now focus on refuting the flow of false allegations and insinuations that have been brought forward." he said in a statement. "It was not an easy decision. I'm tied to our party with heart and soul."