Ex-Upper Hunter Nationals MP Michael Johnsen now a government, media consultant

Mr Johnsen - the former MP for the Upper Hunter who covered Quirindi and Werris Creek and parts of the Liverpool Plains - resigned from parliament in March after he was accused of raping a sex worker in the Blue Mountains in 2019.

He denies the allegation, calling it "devastating, unfair and unfounded".

An ABC investigation later busted him sexting while in parliament.

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His resignation has sparked a hotly contested by-election for his Upper Hunter seat, which the Nationals held on a 2.6 per cent margin.

As the coalition government fights an uphill battle to fill his old job, the former member for Upper Hunter has launched a website announcing his new role as head of Johnsen Consulting.

Alongside pictures of premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro - who was the first to call for his sacking - Mr Johnsen is promoting his services as a consultant with expertise in government relations and strategy, political monitoring and intelligence, advocating and influencing policy, and media and reputation management.

Mr Johnsen touts himself as having "achieved over $1.9 billion in capital investments and $345 million in community grants" over his 13 years in office.

"Michael's know-how in dealing with local, state and federal governments and success in private sector business has given him a wealth of contacts and positioned him as a senior strategist able to understand and deliver your needs - no matter what industry you're in, how specialist it is or where it's located," the website reads.

Mr Johnsen lists mining, energy, agribusiness, education, and thoroughbred industry investments as areas in which he has enjoyed past success.

Ms Berejiklian and Mr Barilaro have been contacted for comment.

The deputy premier and Nationals Leader was the first coalition member to call for Mr Johnsen to resign, saying the Upper Hunter MP's position was "untenable".

"This is disgusting behaviour and will never be acceptable, nor should it be, and I'm calling for Mr Johnsen to resign from parliament immediately," Mr Barilaro said on March 30.

Ms Berejiklian also called for Mr Johnsen to quit, saying she was "very relieved" when he did so.

Mr Johnsen's resignation plunged the government into minority, with former Sports Minister John Sidoti sidelined amid a corruption inquiry.

The Nationals are hoping to retain the seat amid a 13-strong field when voters head to the polls on May 22.

Australian Associated Press

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