In a statement a short time ago, the SA branch of the Australian Education Union said branch secretary Leah York will step down from her position, effective at the close of business today.

The union’s executive was due to hold a crisis meeting tonight to discuss York’s position.

“Leah York has today announced she will step down from her position as Branch Secretary of the South Australian Branch of the AEU following an incident in Mount Gambier last week,” the union said.

“The AEU is in the process of determining interim arrangements to fill the Branch Secretary position in accordance with the Branch Rules.

“An election to fill the casual vacancy will be held and conducted by the AEC following regular Registered Organisation Commission processes.

“The interests of AEU members remain our focus during this time.”

The union said it would be not making any further comment on the issue at this time.

The resignation comes after women’s clothing retailer Lima & Co posted CCTV footage of York in their Mount Gambier store earlier this month.

The video appears to show York taking a handbag from a display shelf and leaving the store.

York told The Advertiser earlier this week the incident was a “misunderstanding” as she believed she already paid for the bag.

She said she contacted the store to pay for the handbag after the video surfaced online.

Lima & Co posted a second video on Tuesday featuring York.

After that video was posted, York resigned from her board position with Funds SA, the state’s public sector superannuation provider.

SA Police has confirmed it is investigating the Mount Gambier incident. No charges have been laid.