[1][2] After earlier announcing that would not contest his seat at the next state election,[3] on 12 August 2014 Cornwell resigned from parliament with immediate effect[4] triggering the 2014 Charlestown by-election.

[2] In 2011 Cornwell was appointed to chair the NSW Companion Animal Taskforce charged with reducing the unacceptably high euthanasia rates of unwanted domestic pets and improving control of dangerous dogs.

[10] On 6 August 2014, a hearing of the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) revealed that Cornwell had received $10,000 in illegal donations from Newcastle Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy.

[4] As an "explicit act of atonement" for the actions of Cornwell and others, the Liberals opted not to contest the ensuing 2014 Charlestown by-election,[5][6] which saw Labor reclaim the seat.

"[14] In November 2019 Mr Bruce McClintock SC, Inspector of the ICAC released a report into the conduct of counsel assisting towards Andrew Cornwell, Michael Gallacher.