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Veteran MP Hugh McDermott Resigns as NSW Labor Presses Male Backbenchers to Meet Gender Quota
By Drooid · · How we work
Resignation of Hugh McDermott
On October 1, 2026, longtime Labor member Hugh McDermott announced he will not contest the 2027 state election, ending a 12-year tenure representing the western Sydney seat of Prospect. In a constituency email, McDermott cited public service as a core personal value and said he will continue to contribute to the community in a different role. He did not provide a specific reason for his departure, and he declined requests for comment.
Labor’s Gender-Quota Strategy
New South Wales Labor’s internal rules have required a “minimum percentage” of seats to be held by women for several years, with the target rising each election cycle. The quota reached a 50 percent gender split for the first time in 2025. Under the current composition of the party room, two male MPs must vacate their seats to maintain the mandated balance. Party insiders reported that senior officials have been meeting with male backbenchers to gauge willingness to retire, and that the party has delayed opening nominations in seats held by veteran male members while finalising preselection for most ministers, first-term MPs, female backbenchers, and key electorates such as Ryde, Oatley and Miranda.
Potential Further Departures
Labor sources said McDermott was encouraged to retire after losing internal support in his electorate, and that his exit is expected to be followed by at least two other male MPs within the next week. Names mentioned as possible candidates include Blacktown MP Stephen Bali, Entrance MP David Mehan and Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla. Party insiders denied that any financial incentive was offered for early retirement.
Implications for the 2027 Election
The resignation underscores the pressure on NSW Labor to achieve gender parity before the 2027 state election. With two male seats likely to become vacant, the party will need to select new candidates who can retain the electorate’s support while satisfying the gender-representation requirement. The outcome may influence Labor’s ability to present a balanced ticket and could affect its electoral prospects in western Sydney and beyond.
