Shamed Brogden in bid to kill self By Robert Wainwright and Jonathan Pearlman August 31, 2005
Page Tools Email to a friend Printer format John Brogden Photo: Reuters DISGRACED former NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden was rushed to hospital last night after an apparent suicide attempt.
A day after he resigned, Mr Brogden was found at his Pittwater electorate office in a drug and alcohol-induced stupor shortly before 11pm, with self-inflicted stab wounds, and taken by ambulance to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
News of Mr Brogden's situation spread quickly to the NSW Parliament where his colleagues were involved in a late-night numbers battle to decide who will replace the 36-year-old, who quit on Monday after admitting to propositioning female journalists and to referring to Helena Carr, wife of the former NSW premier Bob Carr, as a mail-order bride.
A call last night to Mr Brogden's former deputy, Barry O'Farrell, to ask him about the numbers, was met with: "Excuse me if I say I don't care about the leadership at the moment, but I am following an ambulance with John Brogden inside. He has attempted self- harm. It sort of puts things in perspective, doesn't it?"
Mr Brogden's breakdown could mean that today's planned leadership ballot will not go ahead.
Advertisement AdvertisementEarlier yesterday, Mr Brogden had returned to work as the member for Pittwater, pledging his commitment to local causes and getting warm support from his party and constituents, spending the day in his electorate office.
Those needing assistance can reach Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251 or Lifeline on 131 114.
I met the guy a few weeks ago at a Phillipino function.
