2GB’s Ben Fordham pulls out of Liberal event, saying he didn’t realise it was fundraiser for party

Nine's 2GB radio host Ben Fordham has pulled out of a Liberal party fundraiser in Kirribilli, saying he did not realise the event was raising money for the political party when he accepted the invitation to speak.

"Kirribilli Branch is honoured to be joined by Ben Fordham, Sydney's No.1 radio presenter," the invitation said . "Ben will provide a review of the major stories he has uncovered and covered this year and the very important election year on the horizon."

The event on 5 December was advertised on the New South Wales Liberals' website at $95 for Liberal members, including cocktails, and $60 for Young Liberals.

"This is a state fundraising event for Kirribilli Branch," the website says.

When Guardian Australia contacted Nine Entertainment about whether it was appropriate for a radio host to help raise funds for a major political party, Fordham withdrew his attendance.

Fordham told Guardian Australia that "his bosses" at Nine advised him to "send my apologies and withdraw", describing himself as "all good" with that decision.

He added that he had told the event organisers he'd help them find a replacement speaker for the night.

Fordham said he knew it was a Liberal branch function in Kirribilli but he didn't know it was a fundraiser, adding that he hadn't seen the details on the website. An email he received from a listener suggested it was a Christmas party function.

"I go to all sorts of events for all sorts of people," Fordham continued. "I'd said no on two previous years and so on the third time I was asked, I thought, all right, I'll go on and speak to people and answer some questions about my career or the big news stories of the year."

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He said he accepts invitations to talk to political organisations, the Scouts, charities, and local preschools but draws the line at campaign launches and party fundraisers.

"I've got friends in the Labor party, in the Liberal party, in the National party, and if they asked me, if they asked me nicely enough and consistently enough to turn up at something, eventually, I'll probably cave in and turn up," he said.

"I have been asked previously to host campaign launches for certain MPs, and I've always said no to that, just because that seems overtly political.

"But also, I trust myself to be able to shake someone's hand and have a laugh with them on a Monday, and then carve them up on air on a Tuesday because I disagree with them."

In 2019, Nine Entertainment was widely criticised for using its TV studios in the Sydney suburb of Willoughby to host a $10,000-a-head corporate fundraiser for the Liberal party.

The Kirribilli cocktail event, held at a private residence, was in comparison a small scale function unlikely to raise much after costs.

As 2GB's breakfast show host Fordham regularly interviews politicians, including the prime minister, Anthony Albanese.

In August Fordham breached broadcasting disclosure rules when he spruiked the benefits of driving an Uber part-time without telling his 2GB listeners he was being paid to promote the ride-share company.

Guardian Australia first reported last year that the leading radio presenter, who reportedly earns $1.5m, claimed he was driving an Uber as a "side hustle" in a tough economy.