Peru's Prime Minister Alberto Otarola resigned on Tuesday amid allegations of influence-peddling to help a young woman he is said to have addressed lovingly in a recording released by news media.  

Otarola told reporters in Lima that "in conversation with the President of the Republic I have announced my decision to present my resignation." 

Peruvian media published a recording over the weekend purporting to be of Otarola attempting to improperly influence government contracts in which he spoke to a woman who later went on to work in various government roles.

He told media the recording was made in 2021, when he was not a government official, and was manipulated and edited as part of a conspiracy by his political opponents. He had previously denied committing any crimes after the recording was made public.

In light of the audio leak, Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea said on Tuesday that Peru's President Dina Boluarte will make changes to her cabinet, noting the cabinet shuffle will be part of a "relaunch of the government's general policy."

With Otarola's departure, the 18 other cabinet members must now also resign, according to Peruvian law. President Boluarte has the choice to reinstate each cabinet member or swap them out for a new minister.

(With input from agencies)