Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has resigned after reports he allegedly sought to arrange for a sex worker to visit him in the New South Wales Parliament House.
The ABC reported yesterday the Nationals MP offered to pay the woman $1000 for sex and alleged there were a string of lewd text messages and an obscene video sent from his phone while parliament was sitting.
A week ago Mr Johnsen moved to the crossbench after it was revealed he was the subject of a six month investigation into a rape allegation made by the same woman.
Following yesterday’s revelation the Deputy Premier John Barilaro called for his resignation.
“Today I welcome Mr Johnsen’s resignation from the NSW Parliament,” Mr Barilaro said in a statement.
“My message to the people of the Upper Hunter is I will always put integrity before politics which is why I called for Mr Johnsen’s resignation.
“I want to say to the communities of the Upper Hunter that I am sorry, but please be assured the NSW Nationals’ focus has always been, and always will be, on delivering for the Upper Hunter and keeping our communities safe and secure.”
More to come.
