Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Australian MP Quits Before Expulsion Vote After Sex Crime Convictions
An Australian politician named Gareth Ward, who was found guilty of sex crimes, decided to quit his job as a member of parliament just before he was going to be kicked out.
This happened because he was in jail awaiting his sentence.
He had previously tried to stop this from happening through legal actions, but they didn't work.
If he hadn't resigned, he would have been the first person in over a hundred years to be removed from the lower house of parliament.
Before his legal troubles, Ward had held various political positions, including being a minister and a local council member.
He faces up to 14 years in prison.
Australian MP Gareth Ward resigned from Parliament before a vote to expel him.
Ward was convicted of sex crimes and was in jail awaiting sentencing.
He attempted unsuccessfully to stop the expulsion vote through legal challenges.
Ward's resignation prevented him from being the first expelled in over a century.
Ward served as a state minister and local council member before entering Parliament.
- Who
- Gareth Ward, an Australian state lawmaker.
- What
- Gareth Ward resigned from Parliament before an expulsion vote following sex crime convictions.
- When
- Ward resigned Friday, just before the vote was scheduled.
- Where
- New South Wales, Australia.
- Why
- He resigned to avoid being expelled from Parliament after being convicted of sex crimes.
- Name
- Gareth Ward
- Position
- Independent Member of Parliament (NSW)
- Conviction
- Sex crimes against two young men
- Sentencing Date
- September
- Potential Prison Term
- Up to 14 years
- Former Roles
- Minister, Local Council Member