NSW police senior media adviser departs following anger at commissioner Karen Webb

It comes after widespread criticism of Karen Webb’s response to an alleged double murder by serving officer Beau Lamarre-Condon.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has parted ways with her most senior media adviser, Liz Deegan, after widespread criticism of Ms Webb’s handling of the alleged double murder of a gay couple by a police officer.

A police spokesperson said they could “confirm the executive director of public affairs has served her last day at NSW Police”.

Liz Deegan.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to wish her all the best in her future endeavours and thank her for her contribution to the NSWPF.”

Ms Webb has been under fire over her handling of the murder of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, criticised for taking two days to ­release a statement about the case after senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon was charged with murder.

Ms Webb was asked at her first press conference on the issue whether the delay was because of concerns over her leadership of the force.

“No, and that’s offensive,” she said responded.

Ms Webb left most of the questions at the press conference to be handled by deputy commissioner Dave Hudson.

Ms Deegan had been in the public affairs role for just under a year, after previously holding multiple editorial positions at News Corp.

Last month, NSW Police agreed to march at the Mardi Gras parade while not wearing uniform. This came after organisers initially moved to ban the organisation from the parade following the alleged murders of Mr Davies and Mr Baird by the serving constable.

Ms Deegan is the third public affairs to depart in two years. Former detective and executive producer of A Current Affair Grant Williams - who was close to previous commissioner Mick Fuller - left soon after Ms Webb got the top job. Williams’ successor, former television producer Alex Hodgkinson lasted two years before being replaced by Ms Deegan.