NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (left) is pictured with embattled MP Gareth Ward (right)
Embattled NSW MP Gareth Ward is now at the centre of two investigations by sex crimes police, as shock new details emerge of a second accuser.
The 39-year-old legally-blind albino families minister stood down from NSW Cabinet on Thursday after it was revealed he was under police investigation over allegations of sexual violence against a man in 2013.
But the Saturday Telegraph has reported another man came forward to police alleging that he was also a victim of Mr Ward, and was sexually assaulted in a hotel room.
Premier âshocked and distressedâ by MP sex case Gladys Berejiklian said allegations involving Kiama MP Gareth Ward were âextremely concerningâ as the crisis plunged the Government further into minority.
Politics by Anna Caldwell, James O Doherty and Kelsey Hogan 14th May 2021 9:53 AM
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Subscriber only Premier Gladys Berejiklian has denied any knowledge of Gareth Ward s alleged sexual violence-related offences before it was revealed on Thursday. At a press conference on Friday morning, Ms Berejiklian said she only learned of the allegation involving the Families Minister when the story broke on Sky News. I think all of us were incredibly shocked and distressed, Ms Berejiklian said.
Premier âshocked and distressedâ by MP sex case Gladys Berejiklian said allegations involving Kiama MP Gareth Ward were âextremely concerningâ as the crisis plunged the Government further into minority.
Politics by Anna Caldwell, James O Doherty and Kelsey Hogan 14th May 2021 9:53 AM
Premium Content
Subscriber only Premier Gladys Berejiklian has denied any knowledge of Gareth Ward s alleged sexual violence-related offences before it was revealed on Thursday. At a press conference on Friday morning, Ms Berejiklian said she only learned of the allegation involving the Families Minister when the story broke on Sky News. I think all of us were incredibly shocked and distressed, Ms Berejiklian said.
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On the fence of a hilltop home in the Upper Hunter, a local construction manager and father of four is smiling down reassuringly on the traffic below.
Itâs the cardboard face of Dave Layzell, the Nationals party candidate plucked to save the regional state electorate â and help manage the woes of Berejiklian minority government â in next weekâs make or break byelection.
Former Nationals candidate George Souris stands outside his home with poster for current candidate David Layzell.
Credit:Kate Geraghty
The fence line is prime real estate for Layzellâs campaign poster in the 13-horse race, bordering the federation home of the man who once held the seat for 27 years: George Souris.
A cabinet minister who stood down over rape allegations was previously blackmailed after ordering a massage to a New York hotel room and found naked outside his Sydney home.
Liberal MP Gareth Ward, 39, stood down from the NSW ministry last night after it emerged police were investigating him for alleged violent sex offences in 2013, which he denies.
The legally blind member for Kiama, who has albinism, famously hit headlines in 2017 when he fell victim to a terrifying blackmail attempt in the US.
CCTV footage (pictured) showed Mr Ward in a hotel lift on the night he was blackmailed after ordering a massage