Liverpool councillor Nathan Hagarty resigns from council to focus on Leppington MP role

A long-serving Labor councillor has resigned after making the ‘tough decision’ nine months out from local government elections. The exit means his council is now Liberal-dominated.

Nathan Hagarty, pictured with NSW premier Chris Minns, when he ran during the March state elections.

A long-serving Liverpool councillor has resigned after making the “tough decision” nine months out from local government elections.

Labor councillor Nathan Hagarty unexpectedly tendered his resignation on Wednesday at the Liverpool Council meeting and said it was an “honour to serve” the community.

Mr Hagarty was elected as a councillor for the north ward in 2016 and was elected as the first MP for Leppington in the March state election.

“I was recently appointed the government whip in the legislative assembly and due to these additional commitments and responsibilities I have made the tough decision to resign as a councillor,” he said.

Leppinton MP Nathan Hagarty as resigned from his role as a Liverpool councillor.

“As a councillor, the most satisfying times were when the system worked – a resident

saw a problem, picked up the phone, and the issue was sorted.”

Mr Hagarty said during the toughest of times “we have seen the best of our community” and it was a “privilege to serve to community” alongside his fellow councillors.

“I was particularly proud to have stood up, spoke out and played my part as we dealt with the grave impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on our region,” he said.

Nathan Hagarty with his family on the night he was elected as Leppinton MP. Picture: Annie Lewis

Mr Hagarty’s resignation comes nine months out from the local government elections and he urged the council to not hold a by-election in his absence.

“It is my strong expectation that Liverpool follow the lead of all other councils across NSW and leave the position vacant for the remainder of the term,” he said.

“It would cause unnecessary cost and inconvenience to local residents and ratepayers to hold a by-election,” he said.

A by-election could set Liverpool ratepayers back an estimated $500,000.

Following Cr Hagarty’s resignation, the council will now be Liberal-controlled, with four Liberal councillors, three Labor councillors and two independents.