(RALEIGH) -- There are calls for an independent investigation of state house speaker Thom Tillis' office after a second staff member was forced to resign over an alleged personal relationship with a lobbyist. Tillis made the announcement during a teleconference on Tuesday.

"I've asked for, and have received, a verbal resignation from the staff in question effective this week," said Tillis. The Speaker would not identify the policy advisor by name.

Justin Guillory of Progress NC said that the public deserves more from Speaker Tillis. "It was nice that Thom Tillis had a teleconference but I wish he had come out of hiding and faced the voters," said Guillory.

This is the second Tillis staffer who has resigned in less than a week over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a lobbyist.