BREAKING: Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has resigned from the shadow cabinet, sending shockwaves through the party just hours ago. This sudden departure comes after a heated exchange with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who claimed that Hastie did not raise any policy concerns during their discussions.
Hastie, the former soldier and a potential future leader of the Liberal Party, announced his resignation on Friday evening, stating he could no longer remain silent on immigration issues while serving as the opposition’s home affairs spokesman. “On this basis, I made the decision that I was not able to continue in this role and remain silent on immigration,” he declared.
In a stunning twist, Sussan Ley quickly countered Hastie’s narrative, asserting that she had clearly communicated the party’s expectations regarding solidarity among shadow cabinet members. Ley emphasized that the convention applies to both public statements and parliamentary votes, and noted that Hastie admitted during their phone conversation that he would not comply with this requirement.
Hastie is set to address the media in Perth at 10 AM local time on Saturday, where he is expected to clarify his position but has indicated he will not immediately challenge for the party leadership. He stated he wants Ley to lead “unencumbered by interventions from shadow cabinet colleagues” and expressed well-wishes for her and the frontbench.
This upheaval follows Hastie’s public calls to curb migration and his threat to resign if the coalition maintained its net-zero emissions target. His exit from the shadow cabinet places him alongside Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who was also removed for not supporting Ley’s leadership.
As the Liberal Party grapples with its relevance following a significant defeat in the May election, all eyes are on Hastie’s upcoming press conference. Will he reveal more about his future ambitions, or will the controversy deepen the rift within the party? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
