[4] Markham developed a reputation as an occasionally outspoken local MP, publicly clashing with his party over their policies on the coal industry not long after his election.
[11][12] Markham had long faced rumours of a preselection challenge from the right faction, which had been gaining increasing dominance in his region through the late 1990s.
A deal was struck by which Markham would instead contest preselection for the neighbouring seat of Wollongong, held by fellow left-winger Gerry Sullivan.
[20] Long a target of the right-wing, the faction had been especially angered by his refusal to cross a union picket line at Parliament House in opposition to Carr government workers' compensation changes that were deeply unpopular in Markham's blue-collar electorate.
[22] Markham's impending axing took on federal consequences when angry local unions and left-wing groups directed their resources against the right faction candidate Labor had endorsed for a by-election in the federal seat of Cunningham; in a shock result, Green candidate Michael Organ won the seat after a disastrous Labor campaign.
[3] After leaving politics, Markham maintained his interest in Aboriginal affairs, serving as an Executive Member, Deputy Chairperson, and Ambassador of the New South Wales Reconciliation Council.