Under-fire NSW Lib MP stands down

Craig Baumann has become the 10th NSW Liberal MP to join the cross benches after being caught up in the ongoing donations scandal.

The Port Stephens MP became the focus of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on its final scheduled hearing day on Friday.

Only hours after Mr Baumann's appearance before the commission, Premier Mike Baird said he had accepted the MP's decision to stand aside from the parliamentary Liberal Party and relinquish his parliamentary positions.

"I am not prepared to allow this to become a distraction for the party or the government," Mr Baird said in a statement.