Why NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is facing a by-election headache in Upper Hunter

The resignation in disgrace of the Upper Hunter National MP Michael Johnsen puts the Berejiklian government’s majority at risk.

The government was re-elected in 2019 with 48 seats, compared to Labor’s 36, but with an expanded crossbench of nine members, three Greens, three Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) and three Independents.

Mr Johnson’s resignation yesterday means Upper Hunter will be the subject of a by-election.

With Drummoyne MP John Sidoti having stood aside from the Liberal Party over an ICAC inquiry, the loss of Mr Johnsen’s seat at a by-election would end the government’s majority in the Legislative Assembly.

Last week, Mr Johnsen was accused of raping a sex worker in the Blue Mountains — something he denies doing.

On…