It's one more surprise at the Charbonneau Commission, which has been loaded with surprises: the chief prosecutor at the inquiry has quit over perceptions of a conflict of interest.

Sylvian Lussier's departure was announced this afternoon.

In a letter he wrote to the commission, Lussier said that while any conflict allegations are unfounded he has decided to recuse himself to ensure the integrity of the commission's work.

In August, published reports indicated that Lussier, as part of his private practice, represented an asphalt company that was cited in documents deposited at the inquiry.

Lussier, one of Quebec's best-known lawyers with a career spanning more than three decades, was the federal government's lawyer during the Gomery sponsorship inquiry.

He is being replaced on an interim basis by another senior commission lawyer, Claude Chartrand.