OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A top aide to Governor Ferguson has stepped down following allegations of mistreatment.

The Seattle Times reports that Mike Webb, the governor’s chief strategy officer, submitted his resignation on Wednesday, March 19.

Webb has been working as one of Gov. Ferguson’s top aides since his first run for state attorney general in 2012. His departure comes less than a week after legislative director Joyce Bruce and her deputy resigned.

An administrative aide and some Democratic lawmakers alluded to the way Webb treated women as a possible reason for why Bruce and her deputy left.

In his resignation letter, Webb said that he regrets that the allegations have caused disruptions within his team, but he mostly defended his conduct. Webb claimed he never yelled in anger and made the best effort to treat his colleagues well.

His chief operations officer, Shane Esquibel, will serve as an interim chief of staff for the Governor’s office.