Cuomo says in farewell address he was victim of ‘political and media stampede’

Democrat submits resignation and will end his term at 11.59pm, making Kathy Hochul the state's first female governor

Andrew Cuomo defended his record over a decade as governor of New York and portrayed himself as the victim of a political firecracker on an explosive topic" on Monday, as he prepared for a midnight power transfer that will make Lt Gov Kathy Hochul the state's first female governor.

Cuomo, a Democrat, was set to end his term at 11.59pm, just under two weeks after he announced he would resign rather than face an impeachment battle over sexual harassment allegations which he denies.