NSW MPs won't run at next election

Two MPs named in an ongoing corruption inquiry will not contest the next NSW election.

Member for Wyong Darren Webber

Two Liberal MPs named in an ongoing corruption inquiry will not contest the next NSW election. (AAP)

Two NSW MPs at the centre of an ongoing corruption inquiry will not contest the next state election.

The Entrance MP Chris Spence and Wyong MP Darren Webber have confirmed they will not run in the March 2015 poll.

They voluntarily stood aside from the Liberal Party in February before the Independent Commission Against Corruption's (ICAC) Operation Spicer probe into an alleged donations rort.

The investigation centres on alleged illegal donations from property developers being channelled into secret slush funds that helped pay for Mr Webber and Mr Spence's 2011 election campaigns.

Operation Spicer public hearings are due to resume in August, with findings in December or January - making the timing of preselection for both men awkward at best.

"They will not contest the next election," a Liberal Party source told AAP.

Mr Spence told his local News Corp newspaper: "This leaves the position for recontesting impossible.

"In the best interest of the Liberal Party and the constituents of The Entrance, the best decision I can make is to stand aside and let the party get on with the pre-selections."

Mr Webber also cited the proposed timing of ICAC's findings.

"That position is untenable and therefore I won't be recontesting the next election, he said.

"I want to thank my family and friends for their support and I will continue to serve the people of Wyong."

Meanwhile, former resources minister and MP for Terrigal Chris Hartcher has made no decision about his future.

Mr Hartcher also stood aside from the Liberal Party in February amid allegations he organised the secret slush funds.

"I respect and understand the decision of my Central Coast colleagues Chris Spence and Darren Webber," he said in a statement.

"While they have each been excused from further attendance at the ICAC inquiry, I have not.

"Accordingly, I will not be making any decision about the forthcoming state election until the inquiry is concluded."


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