At about 1pm, the ABC issued a statement on behalf of journalist Ashleigh Raper, who detailed extraordinary allegations about the NSW opposition leader Luke Foley.
The significance of that moment is not lost on anyone - the entire political landscape in the lead-up to the March state election has undeniably shifted. Mr Foley has now resigned from the job he was hoping to convert into being the next state premier, and will also leave parliament at the March election.
As most of you are now aware, rumours about the events following a 2016 Christmas drinks event at state parliament had been swirling for some time. Rumours might be the start of a story, but alone they do not make a full story.
Those rumours were put onto the public record when a NSW government minister, David Elliott, used the cover of parliamentary privilege to raise the spectre of sexual harassment against Mr Foley. The Labor leader denied them then, as he continues to do now...
Put simply, I think it’s fair to say that there was a general feeling in the Herald newsroom that a break in the impasse would certainly come - it was only a matter of time. However, without a complaint from Ms Raper, or any additional “evidence” supporting the rumours, there was little that could be written or done.
Then came Thursday’s bombshell. It’s now well-known that on Ms Raper’s version, she had a discussion with Mr Foley in which he indicated he would resign as opposition leader. His subsequent decision not to appears to have prompted Ms Raper’s decision to confront the rumours head-on. I can only imagine she felt there was no other way to put the whole sordid episode behind her.
The dramatic moment that saw a political rumour turn into a front-page news story
The dramatic moment that saw a political rumour turn into a front-page news story
The former prime minister ousted in the challenge that handed the government to Scott Morrison has reportedly signed a contract with a new agency for a role that could pay big bucks.
Mr Turnbull is joining the lucrative US speaking circuit after signing with the Greater Talent Network, according to reports. He is expected to earn as much as $104,000 per appearance.