Veteran MP resigns as NSW Labor HQ targets male backbenchers

McDermott’s departure is expected to be followed by other MPs, two sources said, including one potentially in the next week.

He was among a number of male MPs who Labor sources suggested could be asked to step down. Others mentioned included Blacktown MP Stephen Bali, The Entrance MP David Mehan and Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla. Sussex Street has been meeting some MPs to gauge their openness to retirement.

Six months from the election, Labor has finalised preselection for most sitting ministers, as well as first-term MPs, female backbenchers, and some key seats such as Ryde, Oatley and Miranda.

But the party has held off opening nominations in seats held by veteran male backbenchers because of a looming gender problem within the caucus.

Labor rules have, for several years, required a “minimum percentage” of seats to be held by women. The quota has been ramped up since 2022 and last year reached a 50 per cent gender split for the first time. Under the current make-up of the party room, two male MPs would need to make way.

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