David Leyonhjelm insists his switch to state politics isn’t just a ploy to extend his controversial political career.

The Liberal Democrats Senator will resign from federal politics to contest the NSW election on March 23.

He claims he’s more interested in state issues like opposing lockout laws, legalising cannabis and allowing pill-testing at festivals.

But many believe it’s desperate attempt to continue his political career, with far fewer votes needed to secure an eight-year term in state parliament.

He would need 4.5 per cent of the vote to get a state upper house seat compared with 14 per cent to retain his federal Senate seat.

Mr Leyonhjelm admits it will be easier but tells Steve Price that’s not the reason behind his defection.

“You don’t need those full quotas to get elected. You can get elected with about half that, in both cases.

“But it is true, your general point, that it’s easier to get elected to the NSW Legislative Council than the Senate.

“But it’s well within reach of the Liberal Democrats and we fully expect to hold our seat, it’s just that I won’t be the candidate.”

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The move pits Mr Leyonhjelm against one-time Liberal Democrats member and former Labor leader Mark Latham, who is also running in the upper house.

The NSW One Nation Leader believes Senator Leyonhjelm’s plan could succeed.

“Well it’s possible, there’s 21 to be elected in the NSW Upper House.

“With the major parties on the nose, one would be expecting support for minor parties.

“It’s important to put alternatives out there because I’ve looked closely at Labor and Liberal policies at state level, a lot of them are identical, a lot of them are failed.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview