Australian politician Gareth Ward is refusing to resign from the New South Wales state parliament, despite being jailed for raping two young men, prompting a legal standoff over his expulsion.
The 44-year-old was convicted last month but continues to hold his seat from prison while awaiting sentencing.
State Premier Chris Minns accused Ward of having “no shame” and vowed to expel him, but Ward blocked the move with a temporary court injunction.
The government is now seeking an urgent hearing to overturn the ruling and remove him. Ward maintains his innocence and says he should remain in parliament while he appeals the convictions.
This article was originally published by the Daily Telegraph New Zealand.
