Luke Foley has stepped down as NSW Opposition leader in the wake of harassment allegations levelled at him by an ABC journalist today – but has called the allegations “false” and says he will begin defamation proceedings.
Reading a brief statement to the press in Sydney on Thursday afternoon, Foley said:
“The first thing I’d like to say is that the allegations against me today made public by the ABC are false. I’ve retained solicitors and senior counsel to advise of the immediate commencement of defamation proceedings in the federal court of Australia.
“However, I can’t fight to clear my name and fight an election at the same time, it’s just not possible to do both. Therefore I am resigning the leadership of the Labor Party effective today. This will enable the new leader to give his her her full attention to the task of defeating the Liberal National government.
“I’ll be remaining as the member for Auburn and returning to the backbench.”
Foley did not take questions from the press.
Former NSW Labor Leader Luke Foley: The allegations made against me are false.
I can’t fight to clear my name and fight an election at the same time. Therefore, I am resigning the leadership of the Labor party.
MORE: https://t.co/ykweMevBOK #Speers pic.twitter.com/ixOiUu2kTe
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) November 8, 2018
Foley’s resignation comes several hours after the ABC released a statement by journalist Ashleigh Raper containing details of the alleged incident.
The next NSW state election is scheduled for March 23, 2019. NSW Labor has not yet announced who will take Foley’s place as leader.