Former NSW Liberal police minister Mike Gallacher has resigned from the legislative council after 21 years in parliament.
Mr Gallacher went to the crossbench in 2014 when the Independent Commission Against Corruption accused him of "hatching a corrupt scheme" to funnel money from banned donors to Liberal Party campaigns during the 2011 state election.
"I have always given my utmost to fulfil the roles and duties entrusted to me to serve our community with the highest distinction and determination, no matter how challenging," Mr Gallacher said in a statement announcing his resignation on Thursday night.
"My objective has always been to do the best and make a positive impact to the lives of others and it has been a privilege and an honour to serve."
Mr Gallacher, who last year accused ICAC of trying to "kill his career", came to parliament after spending 16 years as a police officer.
He escaped serious findings of corruption in ICAC's Operation Spicer report but was found to have made an attempt to evade electoral laws.
In his statement, Mr Gallacher indicated he already had another job lined up.
"I am looking forward to a truly exciting opportunity to use my skills and experience to lead an organisation advocating on behalf of its members and the sector," he said.
"I leave parliament today proud of what I have achieved, confident that many of the tough decisions I led in government will continue to serve this state and its people into the future."
Mr Gallacher, who was born in Scotland and moved to NSW as a young child, led the the Liberals and Nationals in the Upper House for a "record" 15 years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said he was a key member of the Coalition when it returned to power in 2011.
"I would like to acknowledge Mike Gallacher's many years of service to the Liberal Party and the NSW Parliament," she said.
"I wish him and his family all the best in the future."
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