Liberal MP Ray Williams Announces 2027 Exit After Triggering ICAC Corruption Probe
NSW Liberal MP Ray Williams said he will leave politics at the 2027 election, after his 2022 speech sparked an ICAC investigation into his own party.
Ray Williams, the Liberal MP for Kellyville, announced his intention to retire at the 2027 state election, citing the personal toll of whistleblowing on his party. In a 2022 speech, he raised concerns about undemocratic practices, alleging that senior Liberals replaced elected officials on The Hills Shire Council and paid them to support developer Jean Nassif’s projects. Premier Dominic Perrottet referred the allegations to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, leading to the high-profile Operation Rosny investigation, which wrapped up public hearings in late September and must issue a report within 180 days.
Williams reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, stating he would repeat his actions if faced with the same choice. He noted that Michelle Byrne is the early frontrunner to contest his northwestern Sydney seat, while fellow Liberal MPs James Griffin, Alister Henskens and Mark Taylor are also set to depart next year.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights the challenges whistleblowers face and may reshape the Liberal Party’s leadership in NSW.
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