Breaking: Veteran NSW Liberal quits frontbench amid ICAC inquiry

Veteran NSW Liberal Damien Tudehope has quit the frontbench after being called as a witness in a looming corruption watchdog probe. Mr Tudehope has not been accused of any wrongdoing by ICAC, which is investigating claims under Operation Rosny. What's next? The ICAC will hold eight weeks of public hearings to gather evidence from July 27. Shadow Attorney-General Damien Tudehope has quit the frontbench after being called as a witness in a corruption probe engulfing the New South Wales Liberals. In a statement late on Friday, he announced he would step aside until the hearings ended as the inquiry into political donations involved several people with whom he had close relationships during his career. "There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by myself nor am I under investigation," Mr Tudehope said. Earlier this week, the Independent Commission Against Corruption's (ICAC) Operation Rosny named five people who allegedly sought unlawful donations to recruit or renew NSW Liberal Party memberships over a four-year period until 2023. The ICAC will hold eight weeks of public hearings from late July to explore allegations referred to it — at least in part — by the NSW Electoral Commission. Mr Tudehope said he was concerned his position could become an "unnecessary distraction" for Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane and his colleagues. "I also believe it is my responsibility to set an example during periods such as this by holding myself to the highest standard of transparency and accountability, something the Minns government has refused to do," he said. Ms Sloane said she accepted Mr Tudehope's offer to step down on Friday afternoon. "I would like to reiterate that Mr Tudehope is participating in this process as a witness and is supporting the work of the ICAC," Ms Sloane said. "This move will ensure Mr Tudehope can fully focus on the ICAC proceedings and allow me and my Parliamentary colleagues to get on with the job of delivering a plan for a stronger NSW." The inquiry is investigating claims the party took unlawful donations from Catholic Schools NSW and fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. It is alleged Mr Nassif, who is now in Lebanon, made the payments in exchange for damaging the political career of then cabinet minister David Elliott and having former Building Commissioner David Chandler sacked. Two of the brothers of then premier Dominic Perrottet are among those under investigation.