Peter Costello resigns as chairman of Nine Entertainment ‘effective immediately’

Former federal treasurer stands down days after he was accused of assaulting a News Corp journalist at Canberra airport

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Peter Costello has resigned as chairman of Nine Entertainment effective immediately" days after the former federal treasurer was accused of assaulting a News Corp journalist at Canberra airport.

Costello said in a statement on Sunday evening: The board has been supportive through the events of the last month and last few days in particular. But going forward, I think they need a new chair to unite them around a fresh vision and someone with the energy to lead to that vision for the next decade."

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup