The governor of New York has denied reports he demanded the resignation of Sir Paul McCartney's girlfriend amid allegations she abandoned her responsibilities as a state board member to romance the rocker.
The ex-Beatle's beau of two years Nancy Shevell is among 16 unpaid members appointed by Governor David Paterson to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the agency that runs subways and buses for New York City's eight million commuters.
Shevell sparked outcry earlier this year (09) as city leaders feared she was spending too much time with her boyfriend after she reportedly missed a series of top-level meetings.
New reports suggest a rift with Paterson over her dissenting vote on Thursday (17Sep09) to an incoming MTA chief's salary package prompted the politician to call for her to step down from her position.
But a spokesperson for Paterson's office has denied the claims, insisting there is "no truth" to the allegations.