CORNWELL & OWEN STAND DOWN AFTER ICAC SENSATION

Hunter based Liberal MPs Tim Owen and Andrew Cornwell have stood down from the party on a sensational day at the ICAC. It comes after allegations of “serious irregularities” in the funding of the 2011 election campaigns of both.

NSW Premier Mike Baird made a statement on the matter on Wednesday afternoon.

“Today I have accepted the decisions of Tim Owen and Andrew Cornwell to stand aside from the parliamentary Liberal Party and relinquish any parliamentary positions they currently hold. I make no judgement regarding the outcome of Operation Spicer. However, it will take time for the allegations to be resolved, and I am not prepared to allow this to become a distraction for the Party or the Government,” the statement read.

Earlier today, it was revealed Andrew Cornwell, the member for Charlestown, was offered $10,000 in cash from developer Jeff McCloy (who later became Lord Mayor) while sitting in the latter’s Bentley.

The ICAC also heard Andrew Cornwell, the government’s chief whip, gave Hunter property developer Hilton Grugeon a painting as a gift, and was handed a cheque of $10,000 for it.

Counsel assisting the inquiry, Geoffrey Watson says there’s no evidence Mr Cornwell showed favours to either Jeff McCloy or Hilton Grugeon.

Andrew Cornwell said in a statement he’s standing down so he’s not a distraction to the Baird Government.

“In light of today’s evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption, I have decided to step aside from the parliamentary positions I currently hold, as well as the parliamentary Liberal Party.

While Operation Spicer has many weeks to run, I do not want to be a distraction to the Government.

I look forward to assisting the Commission and am confident I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

I will continue to work hard for the people of Charlestown and am determined to seek re-election as their representative in the State Parliament in March next year.”

Tim Owen’s statement is almost identical.

“In light of today’s evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption, I have decided to stand aside from the parliamentary positions I currently hold and to step aside from the parliamentary Liberal Party.

While Operation Spicer has many weeks to run, I do not want to be a distraction to the Government.

I look forward to assisting the Commission and am confident I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

I will continue to work hard for the people of Newcastle.”

Labor candidate for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, says he has full confidence in the ICAC.

He adds, “My focus as the endorsed Labor Candidate for Newcastle is to continue to work hard for the people of Newcastle. When I talk to the community they want to see the focus put back on health, education, public transport and ensuring all of the Port Proceeds go to Newcastle and the Hunter.”