The man who described late far-right Austrian politician Joerg Haider as `the man of my life,` raising speculation of a gay relationship, is to step down as head of Haider`s party, a report said Wednesday.

Stefan Petzner, 27, was named as Haider`s successor as leader of the Alliance for the Future of Austria following his death in a car crash last month.

But Petzner lost support within the party after his comments regarding their relationship.

He said Wednesday that he had `voluntarily` stepped aside, ORF public television reported. His appointment had not yet been formally confirmed by the party.

He was due to be replaced by Herbert Scheibner.

An investigation into 58-year-old Haider`s death has shown that the controversial politician, who was married, had drank too much while at a gay club before getting behind the wheel and crashing early on October 11.