Former UK Conservative MP Tom Hunt Advises One Nation in Australian Byelection
Tom Hunt, a former Conservative Member of Parliament for Ipswich in the United Kingdom, has been recruited by Pauline Hanson's right-wing One Nation party to assist with their campaign in the upcoming Farrer byelection in Australia. Hunt, who served as a Tory MP for five years until 2024 and is now a member of Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK party, has been providing strategic advice, particularly on social media, for the Australian minor party.
Strategic Role and Political Parallels
A spokesperson for One Nation confirmed that Hunt, as a Reform UK member, has been collaborating with the party since the South Australian state election and is now involved in the federal byelection effort. South Australian electoral records indicate that Hunt has received at least $1,000 for his services since February 2026. At a pub event in April, David Farley, the One Nation candidate for Farrer, praised Hunt for offering "real perspective" on political developments in the UK and Europe, noting that discussions with him were refreshing and relevant to Australian issues.
In a November 2025 article for the Spectator, Hunt wrote about meeting figures across the Australian political right and suggested that, based on the people he encountered and the prevailing mood, the Coalition in Australia might face a fate similar to the UK Conservative party, which has seen its support plummet below 20% in polls. He reiterated this view in a February 2026 Spectator piece, expressing concern that the Liberal party's future is as threatened as that of the Conservatives in the UK, despite Australia's preferential voting system.
Political Dynamics and Campaign Impact
Reform UK, while confirming Hunt's membership, clarified that he does not represent or speak for the party in any official capacity. The alignment between Reform UK and One Nation is notable, as both parties advocate for slashing immigration levels and ending renewable energy targets and projects. In the UK, at least 18 current or former parliamentarians have defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK amid rising support for Farage's party.
In Australia, One Nation's resurgence since the May federal election has created divisions within the Coalition, prompting debates over whether to adopt more hardline policies to counter Hanson's influence or maintain a centrist approach. Barnaby Joyce's switch from the Nationals to One Nation in December 2025 exemplifies this political rupture, mirroring trends seen in the UK.
Byelection Significance and Polling Data
The Farrer byelection, scheduled for 9 May 2026 in regional New South Wales, represents a critical test for One Nation following its recent surge in support. In South Australia, strong pre-election polling translated into four lower house seats and three in the legislative council. If David Farley secures a victory in Farrer, it would add a second lower house MP for Hanson, increasing the party's federal parliamentary representation to six.
A March 2026 poll conducted by UComm for the Australia Institute revealed that 28.7% of respondents in Farrer intended to vote for One Nation first, followed by 23.3% for independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe. The Liberal candidate, Raissa Butkowski, trailed with 19.1%. This poll was conducted before the campaign intensified and included an option for Labor, which garnered 9% support but later decided not to field a candidate. The outcome of this byelection could signal broader shifts in Australian politics, influenced by international right-wing movements and strategic cross-border collaborations.
