Disgraced politician 'tries to kill himself'

The disgraced former state leader of the Liberal Party collapsed at his electoral office in Mona Vale, near Sydney. Police say the 36-year-old, who was unconscious, had harmed himself. A colleague confirmed yesterday that Mr Brogden was in hospital.

Mr Brogden apologised on Monday for insulting Helena Carr, wife of the state's former leader Bob Carr. The "mail-order" comment was made while drinking at a function during which Mr Brogden, who is married with a child, also pinched the bottom of a female journalist and made a sexual proposition to another.

Mr Brogden announced his resignation as the party's state leader at a news conference at the state legislature in Sydney. He had refused to respond to a fresh set of allegations that he had harassed women.