‘It’s their choice’: Angus Taylor brushes off defection of two ex-Liberals to One Nation
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The news: Liberal Leader Angus Taylor has shrugged off the news that two prominent former Liberals — former Senator Hollie Hughes and ex-vice president Teena McQueen — have shifted allegiances to One Nation.
Asked on Sky News about the defection, he said it was “their choice” and having a choice is a demonstration of Liberal values.
The context: Speculation is rising over the future for the Coalition amid the rise of One Nation in the polls. One Nation won Farrer in a pre-budget by-election, which had previously been the seat of ex-Liberal leader Sussan Ley.
Capital Brief/Demos AU polling as early as February revealed that One Nation’s primary vote has climbed well ahead of the Coalition under Taylor.
On Friday, The Guardian reported that Hughes was hosting One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson at her pub in New South Wales over the weekend for a sold out “Pauline In The Pub” event. Hughes became a publican following about six years as a senator until 2025.
What they said: “It’s their choice. I mean, they can. I love the fact in this country we have democracy and choice. It’s a great thing. They are strong Liberal values,” Taylor told Sky News on Sunday.
The source: Sky News
