The fallout from the Alex Clifford $718,000 severance saga continues. Board member Larry Huggins, appointed by former Mayor Richard M. Daley, has resigned. The news came in a release sent by Mayor Rahm Emanuel's top press aide.

Here are the full statements from both Emanuel and Huggins:

“I spoke with Larry today and we both agreed that he will step down from the Metra board. Larry has a lifetime of service to our city and its neighborhoods.  His decision to leave the Metra board demonstrates his commitment and will allow the agency to begin a new chapter.” – Mayor Emanuel

“I would like to thank Mayor Emanuel for the opportunity to serve Chicago and its residents. I care deeply about this city and in recent days, it has become clear that it is time for me to step aside and allow Metra to move on.” – Larry Huggins

The resignation comes one day after Metra's embattled Board Chairman Brad O'Halloran submitted his resignation. Former Metra CEO Alex Clifford accused Huggins and O'Halloran of pressuring him to make political decisions around hiring and contracting. And they threatened Clifford that failing to cave in to Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's job demands could jeopardize the agency's funding.

Metra's Board of Directors is now down to seven members. Jack Partelow, appointed by the Will County Executive, is acting chairman of the board.