Although she was recently re-elected by Sydney’s people as Lord Mayor, that victory spelled the end of Clover Moore’s 24 years in NSW Parliament, leading to her send-off today.

And as has been widely rumoured, prominent marriage equality advocate and happily-married Potts Point resident Alex Greenwich will now run as in Independent in the upcoming by-election for Clover’s now-vacant seat of Sydney.

Seen above with Moore today on the steps of NSW Parliament (Photo via CosmicRami on Twitter ), Greenwich was on her council reelection team but low enough down her list to avoid getting a seat. Among those appointed to City of Sydney council was Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Forster, who is in a same-sex relationship, and unlike Abbott has campaigned for marriage equality.

Load applause and cheers erupted from the packed public gallery today, where Moore’s family, friends and supporters stood to welcome her at 12:30pm for her Valedictory Speech.

“I’m being forced out of Parliament by legislation passed by the O’Farrell Government, with the support of the Shooters & Fishers Party and the Fred Nile group,” she said.

Indeed, her political rivals ensured she could no longer hold the offices of Sydney Lord Mayor and MP together.

“I’m now being ousted by the Government, not the people.”

Among her memories of over two decades in NSW politics, she recalled appearing in various Mardi Gras Parades, losing many friends to AIDS in the early ‘90s, and passing adoption legislation and several other laws to enshrine the rights of LGBTI citizens. She says she now looks forward to marriage equality progressing through Parliament.

“When I first entered this Parliament, homophobia was rife and homophobic slurs were common,” she said, remembering when an ill conservative MP Fred Nile left hospital in a wheelchair to later vote against an anti-vilification Bill that Moore had championed.

Turning her attention to Sydney’s future, Moore confirms today she’ll strongly support Greenwich, who she believes will continue the tradition of strong independent representation in the city.

“I’ll fight for better transport, action on crime, and environmental sustainability,” Greenwich says. “I believe in protecting parks and public spaces for current and future generations.

“I’ll represent you on important social issues like animal welfare, marriage equality, and keeping public and low-cost housing safe.”

Greenwich’s new campaign video is shown below.