Graham Richardson: How He Got Away From Kate McClymont

Introduction: A storied political partnership under scrutiny

Graham Richardson is a name that long dominated conversations about NSW Labor politics, governance, and the art of navigating power. In Australian political journalism, he is often portrayed as a figure who could bend the political landscape to his will. But the relationship between Richardson, journalist Kate McClymont, and the rise (and later fall) of figures like Eddie Obeid is a story that invites closer inspection rather than easy conclusions. This piece examines how Richardson’s influence is framed in accounts that have endured in public debate, and why some observers say he was the one who got away from McClymont’s scrutiny.

Who is Graham Richardson in the political narrative?

Graham Richardson served in roles that placed him at the nexus of media, policy, and party strategy. For supporters, he was a master strategist who could translate political realities into outcomes, often credited with shaping careers and steering political conversations. Critics, however, describe a figure whose influence extended into the murky corridors of political patronage. In the broader narrative about Eddie Obeid—the former NSW Labor power broker who faced multiple misconduct charges and prison time—Richardson is frequently positioned as a pivotal, even controversial, facilitator of ascent.

Richardson’s alleged hand in political careers

Central to the discussion is whether Richardson actively propelled certain figures into powerful seats or whether his role was more about enabling environments in which ambitions could flourish. Critics argue that Richardson’s strategy and connections helped secure political resignations, returns, or promotions that benefited allies—while supporters suggest he simply recognized talent and worked to maximize electoral outcomes in challenging times for the party. The debate centers on influence versus agency and on how much credit should be assigned to behind‑the‑scenes maneuvering as opposed to visible campaigning.

The McClymont lens: journalism and accountability

Kate McClymont, a veteran investigative journalist, has chronicled the NSW Labor machine with a focus on accountability, ethics, and the conduct of public officials. In her reporting, the relationship between party power brokers and elected representatives becomes a case study in how political ecosystems can protect, reward, or punish actors. The overarching question remains: when does influence cross into unethical or unlawful behavior? McClymont’s work has helped frame the conversation around potential quid pro quo arrangements, payments for political favors, and the moral hazards that accompany ambition in tight political ecosystems.

The Eddie Obeid chapter and implications for Richardson

Eddie Obeid’s career is one of the most scrutinized episodes in NSW political history. An influential figure whose career intersected with many strands of Labor politics, Obeid’s later convictions and sentence brought renewed focus on how power could be consolidated and used. In discussions about who helped Obeid rise—and who benefited from his ascendancy—Richardson’s role is a recurring point of contention. Some narratives suggest Richardson orchestrated or facilitated pathways that enabled Obeid’s influence, while others view these connections as part of a broader, more complex political network where multiple actors played a part.

Why the “one who got away” label endures

The phrase “the one who got away” captures a enduring ambivalence: the sense that a pugnacious, influential figure could elude full accountability even as others around him faced consequences. For observers, this dynamic raises questions about media power, political memory, and how victories and missteps are recorded. The story of Richardson in relation to McClymont’s investigations illustrates the tension between credit for strategic success and exposure for potential ethical breaches. It also highlights how political discourses are shaped by who is asking the questions and how they frame the answers.

Conclusion: A complex legacy in need of careful, evidence-based evaluation

In the end, the saga around Graham Richardson, Kate McClymont, and Eddie Obeid is less a simple yes-or-no story than a layered examination of influence, accountability, and memory in Australian politics. It invites readers to distinguish between strategic talent, questionable influence, and unlawful conduct—without rushing to a single, definitive verdict. As journalism continues to probe these relationships, the goal remains clear: illuminate how power operates, who benefits, and where accountability should sit when the dust settles.