The numbers behind The Muslim Vote
Fatima Payman’s defection and the UK election have led to speculation that a revolt against Labor over Gaza may be on the cards, but the numbers show it would face an uphill battle.
Senator Fatima Payman’s defection to the crossbench has sparked questions about whether Labor’s approach to the war in Gaza is putting its majority under threat.
Announcing her resignation on Thursday, Payman flatly rejected rumours she would head a new political movement, the Muslim Vote (MV), which is aiming to unseat some of her now former colleagues. But she confirmed meeting with political strategist Glenn Druery, dubbed the “preference whisperer”, whose preference dealings propelled a number of niche candidates into the Senate in 2013.
Like the teals, MV insists it is a political movement, not a party — but it is planning to announce candidates shortly.
Regardless of how it’s defined, there is certainly a concerted effort to punish Labor MPs.
