The Liberal Party is facing a deepening crisis as a wave of defections to Pauline Hanson's One Nation continues, with former senator Hollie Hughes and ex-vice president Teena McQueen among the latest to leave. The exodus, which follows the departure of long-time member John Ternel—mistakenly reported as deceased by party officials—highlights growing dissatisfaction within the party's ranks.
At least eight senior Liberal figures have jumped ship, mirroring a similar trend in the UK where former Conservatives have joined Nigel Farage's Reform party. The movements reflect underlying discontent among an ageing membership, threatening local branch structures and fundraising capacity.
McQueen, a friend of mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, has declared full support for Hanson after failing to regain a spot on the Liberal executive. Hughes blames opposition leader Angus Taylor for her exit, citing a preselection dispute. Both are expected to use their profiles to attack Taylor and boost Hanson's momentum.
Recent polls show One Nation surging ahead of the Coalition, with Newspoll recording a primary vote of 27% for One Nation versus 20% for the Coalition. Taylor's leadership is under pressure, though he has urged disaffected voters to join the Liberals rather than One Nation.
Strategists argue that a return to the centre is the only path to recovery for the Liberals, but this requires halting the defections and winning back public support. If the trend continues, the party's future looks increasingly uncertain.
