The announcement follows Mr Maguire’s decision to quit the Liberal Party last week in the face of a damaging anti-corruption hearing.

Premier Berejiklian said she spoke to Mr Maguire today and he advised her of his intention to resign.

“I accepted that and I have also spoken to the Deputy Premier this morning and the Deputy Premier and I both agree that there will be a byelection in the seat of Wagga,” she said.

“There will not be a three-cornered contest, the Liberal Party has held that seat for half a century and the Liberal Party has opened nominations.” 

Mr Maguire will resign some time next week before parliament resumes on August 7, the Premier said. 

The Premier said she was deeply disappointed and shocked by the revelations of the hearing. 

“The people of Wagga Wagga need to know our government is always here to support them and their community,” she said. 

“We’ve worked hard in that community, we’ve delivered a lot in that community and I’ll be making that clear in the next few weeks and beyond.” 

Mr Maguire was secretly recorded on several occasions trying to strike a deal in 2016 with then Canterbury City councillor Michael Hawatt, who is at the centre of an ICAC investigation.

Mr Maguire is yet to publicly comment on this matter. 

UPDATE:

Wagga councillor Dan Hayes, the Labor candidate for the upcoming elections said he was pleased to see Mr Maguire come to the right decision. 

“It’s unfortunate that it has taken so long,” he said.

“Everyone knew his career was over.”

Cr Hayes said it was the push by Labor and the expulsion motion that prompted this morning’s announcement.

“When it was realised the Premier wasn't going to act, Labor explored what it needed to do and what needed to happen,” he said. 

With a byelection set to happen, Cr Hayes said it was a chance for Wagga to have their say.

“It’s a chance to have a fresh start in Wagga and to make sure that we are not taken for granted anymore,” he said.

More to come.