Upper House Liberal MP Simon Ramsay caught drink-driving almost four times legal limit

UPPER House Liberal MP Simon Ramsay has resigned as shadow parliamentary secretary after being caught by police with a blood alcohol reading almost four times the legal limit at the weekend.

Simon Ramsay was caught drink-driving on the weekend. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

UPPER House Liberal MP Simon Ramsay has resigned as shadow parliamentary secretary after being caught by police with a blood alcohol reading almost four times the legal limit at the weekend.

Mr Ramsay contacted the Geelong Advertiser to admit his mistake after blowing 0.19 when tested by Bellarine police at Barwon Heads on Saturday night.

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“I’m not hiding from anything. I feel like an idiot,” Mr Ramsay said “I’m really gutted that I did such a thing and the actions are inexcusable.

“The consequences will haunt me forever.”

Mr Ramsay said he had told Opposition Leader Matthew Guy of the incident, that he had resigned his position as shadow parliamentary secretary and that Mr Guy had accepted his resignation.

His continued status as an Upper House Liberal MP was in the balance on Sunday.

It is understood Mr Ramsay had been at the football at Barwon Heads earlier in the day, where he had consumed several alcoholic beverages.

Insiders said Mr Ramsay had been under considerable stress following the breakdown of his relationship, but he was determined not to make excuses for his behaviour.

The Member for Western Victoria had been vocal on issues including roads, public transport, agriculture, water safety and voluntary euthanasia.

Mr Ramsay’s potential exit could reduce the Liberals to 13 members in the Upper House, behind Labor’s 14.

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Originally published as Upper House Liberal MP Simon Ramsay caught drink-driving almost four times legal limit