At the weekend, former Liberal senator Hollie Hughes defected to Pauline Hanson's One Nation, alongside former party vice-president Teena McQueen, a friend of mining billionaire and Hanson supporter Gina Rinehart. This move underscores a growing exodus from the Liberal Party as it struggles in the polls.
Internal Turmoil and Membership Loss
The defections come amid a broader crisis within the Liberal Party, which is losing members to One Nation. Even for Victoria's usually dysfunctional Liberal division, the case of John Ternel was a mess. A member for over a decade, Ternel twice sought preselection for suburban Melbourne seats but failed. After resigning, Liberal officials mistakenly sent a mass email announcing his death. Ternel is alive but has joined One Nation, criticizing his old party for losing direction.
High-Profile Departures
Hughes, a former assistant minister who quit after a preselection dispute, blames opposition leader Angus Taylor for her departure. McQueen, known for dining with Rinehart at Mar-a-Lago and celebrating the defeat of moderate Liberals at CPAC, has declared full support for Hanson. These moves reflect deeper dissatisfaction within the party, risking branch structures, volunteer power, and fundraising.
Comparison with UK Conservatives
The exodus mirrors the crisis facing the UK Conservatives, where senior figures like Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick have joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Local members are also quitting, and Reform swept local elections. Both parties face existential questions as they lose ground to populist rivals.
Polling Woes
One Nation's rise fuels the Liberal malaise. A recent Newspoll put One Nation at 27% primary vote, ahead of the Coalition's 20%. Resolve monitor showed One Nation at 24%, still ahead. Taylor's leadership is uncertain, much like UK Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.
Path to Recovery
Some strategists argue that a return to the centre is the only way for the Liberals to win again. If far-right defectors leave, remaining loyalists might reorient the party. Taylor urged angry voters to join the Liberals, not One Nation, but if he fails, the party may face its own political death notice sooner than expected.
