Andrew Clennell: Luke Foley resignation the only option

COMMENT

It was in February when I first heard an allegation that Luke Foley had sexually harassed an ABC journalist, in April when I discovered the identity of the journalist and later that month where I spoke to her about it.

When I first got the tip-off my initial reaction was: if this stacks up Foley is gone as Opposition Leader. I had seen John Brogden fall on his sword as NSW Liberal leader over what has emerged as a less serious allegation.

When I saw Ashleigh Raper in the corridors of parliament in April I asked to talk to her and put the allegation directly to her.

She just kept telling me that she could not comment and to go to ABC Media.

I recall telling Ms Raper at the time that if she did not want the story pursued I would not pursue it but she just kept telling me “no comment”.

I also contacted Sean Nicholls who also gave me a “no comment” and ABC Media who said “no comment”.

I understand Ms Raper has agonised over the decision to go public on this for months. She did not want to expose herself but she did not want Luke Foley to become premier either.

His denials upset and angered her, friends have told me.

The pursuit of this story by The Australian was a difficult one. At all times we have respected the wishes of Ashleigh, who has been brave in releasing this statement today.

In fact, an original article in May questioning Mr Foley’s behaviour at a function towards an ABC journalist was welcomed by the ABC at the time.

The pursuit of the story by The Australian was due to the fact that we felt we had to tell the story of a serious allegation against a man who looked very much like he could become the state’s next premier.

It is difficult to see any other option but resignation right now, giving Labor five months to build a narrative around a new leader, tipped to be Michael Daley.