A committee to investigate the potential impeachment of Gov. Andrew Cuomo was announced Thursday by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie amid persistent calls for the governor to be removed from office. 

Cuomo's resignation has the backing of lawmakers from both parties amid an escalating series of sexual harassment allegations or claims of inappropriate behavior by a half-dozen women. 

The most recent claim reported by the Times Union alleges the governor groped an aide at the Executive Mansion last year. Cuomo has denied the allegation. 

The committee will be led by Long Island Democratic Assemblyman Chuck Lavine. 

"The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious," Heastie said in a statement. "The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation."

The Assembly's review will not interfere with the separate investigation being conducted by the office of Attorney General Letitia James, Heastie said. 

Impeachment would require a majority of 76 lawmakers in the Assembly. A trial overseen by the state Senate and state Court of Appeals would then be conducted. Cuomo would be required to relinquish power temporarily, with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul taking the role of acting governor. 

Earlier on Thursday amid reports of the formation of an investigative committee such a move won backing from the governor's top ally in the state Democratic Party. 

"With the preponderance of these allegations I agree with Speaker Heastie that now is the time for the Legislature to commence its own review of these matters as a part of its Constitutional responsibilities," said state Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs in a statement. 

James has appointed former federal prosecutor Joon Kim and Anne Clark, an employment discrimination attorney, to co-lead an investigation into the allegations. 

Democratic lawmakers in the last several days have pointed to the snowballing crises facing the governor, including the scrutiny his administration is facing over how it counted nursing home and long-term facility deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A statement earlier on Thursday released by lawmakers said 40 Democrats in the Assembly have backed calls for Cuomo to resign. It would require 76 votes for Cuomo to be impeached by the 150-member Legislature.