CANBERRA, ACT. — Andrew Hastie has quit the Shadow Cabinet, saying Sussan Ley “has made it clear that the shadow home affairs minister won’t lead the Coalition’s response to immigration matters or develop immigration policy”
“Therefore, out of respect for Sussan [Ley] leadership, I am resigning from the frontbench,” Hastie said in a press release.
The conservative MP has openly discussed his ambitions to lead the Liberal party in the future, and his resignation will be seen as a possible attempt to oust Ley as opposition leader.
“It is a well-established standard in the Westminster system that, if a member of the shadow cabinet is unwilling to live by the convention of solidarity, they must depart to the backbench,” Hastie’s statement reads.
In a statement, Ley said she expected solidarity from shadow ministers, both in public commentary and on parliamentary votes, and Hastie had indicated he would be unable to provide any guarantee.
Hastie is due to hold a press conference in Perth on Saturday morning.
Andrew Hastie hasn’t responded to requests for comment.
– With 6 News Australia.
