 In February 2014, the ICAC commenced investigating allegations of electoral funding irregularities.In response to the inquiry, Hartcher, and fellow MPs Chris Spence and Darren Webber, stood aside from the parliamentary party, even though they had just renominated for their seats, to sit as independents.With a final report not released before the 2015 election campaign, Hartcher, Spence and Webber chose to retire and not contest the next election.