Victorian MP Darren Cheeseman Forced Out of Labor Party
Victorian MP Darren Cheeseman has been forced to resign from the Labor Party following allegations of inappropriate behavior towards staff. This comes after he was already removed from his position as parliamentary secretary on Friday.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the decision in a statement on Monday night, stating that she had asked Mr. Cheeseman to resign from the parliamentary Labor Party. This makes him the second Labor MP to be forced out of the caucus this term, following Ringwood MP Will Fowles who was removed following claims of a serious sexual assault.
Ms. Allan stated that the allegations against Mr. Cheeseman were "of a nature that don't require the involvement of Victoria Police." She emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of staff was "not negotiable."
In a statement on Facebook, Mr. Cheeseman confirmed his resignation from the parliamentary Labor Party but stated that he would not be stepping down from parliament altogether. He will continue to serve as the MP for South Barwon.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins commended the premier's decision to remove Mr. Cheeseman but declined to comment on whether he should resign from politics altogether.
Government minister Lily D'Ambrosio confirmed that two women had come forward with complaints about Mr. Cheeseman. She stressed that they have the right to feel safe and be safe in their workplace.
Ms. Allan revealed that she was initially briefed on the complaints last Wednesday. She determined that the information did not meet the standards she expects and upholds as part of the ministerial code of conduct.
Mr. Cheeseman has served as the Member for South Barwon since 2018 and previously held the federal seat of Corangamite from 2007 to 2013. The ABC has contacted Mr. Cheeseman for comment.