By Hannah Hennessy In Lima

Peru's first vice-president, Raul Diez Canseco, has resigned two months after he quit his other political post as cabinet minister amid allegations of influence-peddling.

The minister said he was the victim of a political attack

Mr Diez Canseco's resignation comes days before he faces questions in Peru's congress over a scandal which forced him to resign as trade minister.

The charges could bar him from political office for 10 years. He is accused of using his government position to get jobs for his girlfriend and members of her family.

Although Peru has a second vice-president to deputise for the president, this latest news comes at a difficult time for Alejandro Toledo.

Questions

Half way into his five-year tenure, he has the support of just 10% of the population according to polls.

In recent months, members of his government have been beset by corruption allegations.

Analysts say this is damaging for Mr Toledo, who was elected on the promise of ending the government corruption of the 1990s.

Last month, the president replaced his prime minister after allegations she too abused her government position.

In the past few days, the Peruvian media has reported that another friend and former adviser of Mr Toledo is being questioned by prosecutors.

He allegedly tried to procure judicial favours from corrupt officials in the 1990s.