Gladys Berejiklian in ‘no doubt’ Coalition will lose Upper Hunter by-election

Gladys Berejiklian says there’s no chance the government will win a by-election brought on by the resignation of an MP facing a rape allegation.

Gladys Berejiklian says it would take “more than a miracle” for her government to win a by-election brought on by the resignation of an MP facing rape and sexting allegations.

NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen resigned from parliament on Wednesday despite denying an allegation he raped a sex worker.

The move has prompted a by-election in Upper Hunter, held by Mr Johnsen since 2015, and plunged the government into a minority.

The NSW Premier said she had “no doubt” the Coalition would lose the seat, which it held by 5 per cent.

RELATED: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian reacts to rape accusation against Nationals MP

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says it would take ‘more than a miracle’ to win the Upper Hunter by-election. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

She said the history of by-elections in the state suggested a double-digit swing against sitting governments.

“It would take more than a miracle for us to keep the seat,” she said on Thursday.

“I have very little confidence we will retain the seat, but that is not to say we won’t put a strong case.

“We will put our best foot forward, but the maths are against us.”

Nationals leader John Barilaro banished Mr Johnsen to the crossbench on Tuesday, demanding the MP resign from parliament over “disgusting behaviour”.

That was prompted by revelations Mr Johnsen had sent lewd messages to a sex worker from NSW parliament, including an offer for her to visit him at the building.

Michael Johnsen (left) has admitted sending lewd texts to a sex worker during NSW question time.

NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro sent Mr Johnsen to the crossbench and demanded his resignation from parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Johnsen has admitted sending the messages during question time in 2019 but has denied raping the same woman in the Blue Mountains that year.

He outed himself as the MP at the centre of an investigation by NSW Police after Labor MP Trish Doyle raised the allegation under parliamentary privilege.

Mr Johnsen said he had willingly co-operated with police and was confident an investigation would clear his name.

Ms Berejiklian said on Wednesday she was “very relieved” to hear of his resignation, describing it as a “good outcome”.