NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham is rejecting the party’s request that he step down, saying he is exploring his legal options.

The Greens NSW State Delegates Council passed, by consensus, a proposal to request Mr Buckingham vacate his position on the ticket during a meeting on Saturday, weeks after he was accused of sexual misconduct.

It was agreed his presence would stop the party from campaigning effectively ahead of next year’s election, a statement said.

The MP has been the subject of a 2011 sexual harassment allegation re-aired under parliamentary privilege by factional rival Jenny Leong, although an independent investigation recommended no adverse findings against him.

Mr Buckingham denies the alleged incident involving a party staffer and another claim by Ms Leong of intimidation.

He said on Sunday that he’d been “one of best environmental campaigners in Australia” and had poured his “heart and soul” into the party.

“But the fact of the matter is, as an organisation, the NSW Greens are corrupt and rotten,” he told reporters in Sydney.


https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/greens-mp-jeremy-buckingham-re...