Today’s resignation of NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden is widely thought to be the honourable thing to do. And according to Dr Simon Longstaff, Executive Director of the St James Ethics Centre, Brogden’s done the right thing by resigning because it shows the “extent of remorse he was showing was real.”

Brogden’s position posed a complicated ethical case. On the one hand, says Longstaff, the “best indication of genuine remorse” was for Brogden to step down voluntarily. His racist remarks were clearly out of line with the community, and were inappropriate for a public figure. On the other hand, as a politician, resigning must have been difficult for Brogden, as he would have been caught between his personal ethical obligations, and his sense of alternative obligation to the Liberal Party and to an extent, the people of NSW.

But rather than rationalise his behaviour, and “further defer responsibility” for his actions to his party and the community, Brogden has copped the consequences and resigned. And if history is a judge, he’s made the right decision, says Longstaff. “Often an honourable withdrawal stands you in better stead down the track” than digging in and trying to weather the storm.