Updated April 07, 2017 00:40:35

Photo: Devin Nunes did not give details of the allegations against him. (AP: J. Scott Applewhite)

Chairman of the House of Representatives' Intelligence Committee Devin Nunes says he is temporarily stepping down as head of the panel's investigation into Russia, citing what he says are "entirely false" accusations filed against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics.

In a statement announcing his decision, Mr Nunes said he wanted to speak with the ethics office as soon as possible "to expedite the dismissal of these false claims".

The decision comes amid partisan turmoil on the committee. Democrats have alleged that Mr Nunes, who was on President Donald Trump's transition team, was too close to the White House and could not lead an impartial inquiry.

"Several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," Mr Nunes said in the statement.

"The charges are ... being levelled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of US citizens and other abuses of power."

Mr Nunes did not disclose details of the allegations.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he supported Mr Nunes' decision and said the congressman was eager to talk to the ethics panel.

"It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election," Mr Ryan said.

He said he believed it was in the best interests of the committee and Congress to have Republican Mike Conaway of Texas temporarily take charge of the investigation while the House Ethics Committee looked into the issue.

"I will continue to fulfil all my other responsibilities as committee chairman," Mr Nunes said.

He said he was confident that Mr Conaway would oversee a professional investigation into Russia's actions and follow the facts wherever they lead.

Reuters/AP

Topics: world-politics, government-and-politics, security-intelligence, defence-and-national-security, united-states, russian-federation

First posted April 07, 2017 00:33:53