NSW Lib MP Leslie Williams is quitting politics, triggering a by-election

Outoing Liberal MP Leslie Williams concedes there are people who are still “angry” at her decision to defect from the Nationals, but says she will “never” regret the decision.

A NSW MP who sensationally defected from the Nationals to join the Liberals over koala policy is to quit state politics, triggering a by-election.

Liberal MP Leslie Williams will on Wednesday announce her shock decision to retire after 14 years representing the seat of Port Macquarie.

The move will trigger talks within the Nationals as to whether to contest the seat it “lost” when Ms Williams quit the party in 2020 over her then party leader John Barilaro’s handling of a dispute with the Liberals over koala protection policy.

Ms Williams joined the Liberals before cementing herself as the local MP when she won the seat against the Nationals in a three-cornered contest at the 2023 state election.

The decision to retire comes two years after the sudden death of her husband Don, and follows a Christmas spent with her children and children in Perth.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams (far left) was elected 2011

“I was particularly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support as I grieved the sudden loss of my husband Don and will be forever grateful for the love and care shown to me during this difficult time,” she said.

“There has been much time for reflection since then and while I have thoroughly enjoyed my

tenure as local member, I believe it is now the right time to hand the baton to a new leader who will undoubtedly pursue this opportunity with vigour and enthusiasm as I have.”

Ms Williams told The Daily Telegraph that she would “never regret” the decision to leave the Nationals, saying that it was what the community had expected from her in ensuring the protection of the local and broader koala population.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams defected from the Nationals during the “koala wars” Image: supplied

She conceded there were people that were still angry at her over the decision.

“It was the right thing to do. I will never regret that decision,” Ms Williams said.

“The community also made it clear at the election that they want a Liberal Party member to represent them, and supported me over a National.”

“(But) there are still people who are very angry with me.”

Elected in 2011, Ms Williams fought for the establishment of The Lake Cathie Public School,

the Stingray Creek Bridge, the Ocean Drive duplication, the Harrington-Coopernook overpass while also becoming a fierce advocate for local fire station, school and surf club upgrades.

State opposition leader Mark Speakman said Ms Williams’ “resilience in the face of personal tragedy” had been “an inspiration”.

“She’s shown what it means to put your community first even during the most difficult times,” he said.

Ms Williams, who said the seat had become increasingly “urban”, has pledged to work with the Liberal candidate when selected.

It is not clear if the Nationals will also put up a candidate, with some speculating whether the party might ask former long-serving member Melinda Pavey who recently missed out on the federal seat of Lyne.

Originally published as NSW Lib MP Leslie Williams is quitting politics, triggering a by-election