Cape Town The joint ethics committee will drop its inquiry into Tony Yengeni's alleged contravention of Parliament's code of conduct as the former chief whip has resigned as an MP, committee chairman Luwellyn Landers said yesterday.

Landers said he had sought legal advice from Parliament's lawyers.

Yengeni's resignation meant any hearing would proceed without him and a finding made in his absence. This would affect due process.

"The matter will therefore be deemed closed."

The legal advice will be tabled at Friday's committee meeting and it will report back to the house.

With acknowledgements to Sapa, Angela Quintal and Business Day.