Record number of NSW Liberal members quit amid war over preselections – Sydney Morning Herald

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One member of the state executive, who is prohibited from speaking publicly under party rules, said the membership figures were particularly concerning because they did not represent those who had allowed their membership to lapse, but had wanted to leave the party.

We have never seen anything like this; its an exodus, the source said. There is higher morale in the Russian army than Morrisons home division. The damage Hawke and Morrison have deliberately caused to the Liberal Party will long outlast Morrisons prime ministership.

Senior Liberals, including the partys NSW president, Philip Ruddock, have conceded delays to preselections could make victory harder for the federal Coalition.

Ruddock, who has flagged that the NSW branchs constitution would be reviewed after the election because of the factional battle, has acknowledged the impact of the preselection delays on the election fight.

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One of electorates that had a candidate imposed on it was the seat of Hughes. Lawyer Jenny Ware was endorsed as the candidate after preselections were cancelled, despite being described by the party as not suitable to run.

Local branches in Hughes were infuriated by the move. The Sutherland branch sent a searing letter to state executive members after the preselections were abandoned.

State executive members must take time to reflect on what has occurred. The party is removing the democratic right of loyal members rather than prosecuting the case against the Labor Party, the Greens and the Climate 200 independents, all of whom have policies that will damage Australias prosperity and security, the letter, obtained by the Herald, says.

The letter pointedly said branch members believed the three candidates who had nominated for preselection were suitable. This was a reference to a motion that was put to the executive that said: Unfortunately, none of the persons who nominated are suitable or provide the division with its best chance of winning the election.

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Record number of NSW Liberal members quit amid war over preselections - Sydney Morning Herald