Ben Fordham is challenging Liberal Party members to explain why they have “deserted” embattled MP John Sidoti.

The member for Drummoyne has been found guilty of engaging in serious corrupt conduct by ICAC.

ICAC found he used his position to try to influence Canada Bay Councillors to support planning changes that would benefit his family.

Mr Sidoti is refusing to resign from parliament and will challenge his corrupt finding in the Supreme Court.

But the former sports minister was reduced to tears yesterday as his own party passed a motion to have him suspended from parliament.

Mr Sidoti was found to have failed to mention his family ties in Five Dock to local councillors he was lobbying to change zoning in the area.

“If that’s serious corruption, then I’m the mayor of Canada Bay!” Ben Fordham said.

“I’ve got no reason to go into bat for John Sidoti. Trust me, it’s a lot easier to look the other way and let the person in trouble fight all on their own, but the standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s impassioned speech

Former federal Liberal MP Craig Laundy is a friend of Mr Sidoti’s, telling Ben Fordham he too was lobbying councillors for the same zoning overhaul.

“It’s not just his family that was impacted, it’s everyone else west of their property.

“This is just a ridiculous decision from ICAC … and I can’t believe that the party has walked away from him.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview