Lib MP stands aside amid inquiry into alleged foul-mouthed texts

A NSW MP has agreed to excuse himself from the party room after being accused of sending foul-mouth texts to a woman.

A NSW Liberal MP allegedly sent a series of foul-mouthed text messages to a woman – including calling her a “c--t” – prompting her to file a formal complaint to the party.

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal the Liberal Party on Friday appointed an SC to conduct an investigation into the matter, with the MP agreeing to stand aside from the party room until it concludes.

The MP and the woman – who has requested anonymity – had been in a relationship several years ago when it ended, with the texts believed to have been sent over a period of years.

Several Liberal sources claimed the woman was motivated to make a formal complaint to the party after witnessing the MP’s career flourish despite her having verbally raised her concerns with senior Liberal MPs.

However, the woman declared her motivation was wanting to "get her voice back".

The conversations with senior Liberals also included advice on how she should handle the situation.

The Saturday Telegraph lodged a series of questions to the party in June about whether it was aware of the allegations levelled against the MP, whether the MP had been questioned, and whether the MP was believed to be a fit and proper person to remain in state parliament.

However, a Liberal source familiar with the matter said a “formal” complaint was only made in recent days.

Another Liberal MP familiar with the matter claimed the texts were nothing more than “a spat” between two people that had been in a relationship.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said he had spoken to the MP, who had agreed to remove himself from the party room until the inquiry concluded. Picture: Sunday Telegraph/ Brendan Read

A spokesman for the NSW Liberal Party said a Senior Counsel had been appointed to examine the complaint.

“The Liberal Party has been made aware of matters that are the subject of a formal complaint to the party organisation, and has appointed a Senior Counsel, who is conducting an independent investigation,” the spokesman said.

“At all times, the party has respected the agency and wishes of the person who has come forward and has been providing relevant support. The matter is being treated confidentially, and the party will not be making any further comment while the independent investigation is taking place.”

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said he had spoken to the MP, who had agreed to remove himself from the party room until the inquiry concluded.

“I have spoken with the MP in question and he has told me he welcomes the process,” he said. “He will excuse himself from the party room for the time being.”

Last year, a review into the NSW parliament uncovered a culture of systemic bullying and widespread sexual harassment, with more than a third of respondents saying they had been bullied or sexually harassed.