Liberal MP Ray Williams, whose parliamentary speech sparked an ICAC inquiry, announces he is leaving politics
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 20 October that Kellyville MP Ray Williams is leaving politics. The Herald said Williams has no regrets about his 690-word speech that sparked the corruption watchdog's investigation into his own party. NT News reported under the headline MP who triggered ICAC probe to exit politics. Williams alleged in his 2022 speech to the NSW parliament that property developer Jean Nassif had funded Liberal members to stack Hills Shire Council. The Independent Commission Against Corruption later investigated, in a probe called Operation Rosny. The Herald's headline quotes Williams saying he would do it all again.
The speech triggered one of the largest corruption investigations involving the NSW Liberal Party, so his exit removes the MP who started it from the party's ranks ahead of the 2027 state election. Reports differ on the form of his departure, with the Herald saying he resigns and other coverage saying he will exit politics.
Voters in Kellyville will face a change of representative. Those following NSW politics can expect the ICAC findings to remain an election issue.
Williams, quoted in the Herald, defends his speech and says he has no regrets about exposing the alleged conduct.
Party figures named in the ICAC process have disputed the claims, and Williams himself told the ABC that what he said in parliament had nothing to do with factions.
Confirmed: Williams is leaving politics, reported by the Sydney Morning Herald and NT News. Not confirmed: the exact date and mechanism of his exit, and when ICAC will report. Watch for a by-election announcement and the ICAC findings.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 17 · Morning · WED., OCT. 21, 2026