Gareth Ward Resigns from NSW Parliament Ahead of Expulsion Vote

Convicted sex offender and New South Wales MP Gareth Ward has resigned from parliament just moments before a vote was set to be held to expel him.

Ward, who has been in custody since last week, was found guilty by a jury of sexually assaulting two young men. On Thursday, the NSW Court of Appeal rejected his attempt to block the Legislative Assembly from using its powers to remove him from office.

On Friday morning, Speaker Greg Piper informed parliament he had received Ward's resignation letter at 9:08am, stating it was "effective immediately." Piper confirmed he would now issue a writ for a by-election in Ward's electorate of Kiama, with the date yet to be set.

Leader of the House Ron Hoenig condemned Ward's delay in resigning, saying it showed disrespect to both the jury's decision and the institution of parliament.

"Not in 107 years has this house had to expel a member," Hoenig said. "The fact we were about to do so is a shameful moment."

Hoenig also criticised Ward's legal efforts to avoid expulsion, calling them "vexatious" and costly.

"It was a waste of time and money," he said. "The Crown Solicitor, junior and senior counsel - they all come at a cost. All to argue against the well-established powers of this parliament."

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman echoed the criticism, accusing Ward of engaging in last-minute political manoeuvring.

"He resigned at five minutes to midnight - something he should have done from the very beginning," Speakman said.

"He has every right to appeal and proclaim his innocence if he wishes, but his duty should have been to his constituents. Instead, he played games with the public, the government, and this parliament - and it's disgraceful."

Ward, a former Coalition minister, had resisted calls to resign following his conviction, prompting the government to prepare for an historic move to forcibly expel him - something not done in more than a century.