Source : Perth Now news
Controversial MP Moira Deeming has revealed her next political move after being sacked by the Liberals over an apology stand-off with one of her ex-colleagues.
Mrs Deeming, who was cast out by the Liberal Party in July following an explosive fallout with fellow MP Matthew Guy, has been announced as candidate for a rival party in November’s Victorian state election.
The current crossbench MP has joined Family First and will seek re-election to the state’s legislative council in the Western Metro region.
Her departure from the Liberal Party came following a row with Mr Guy centring on accusations that he had placed her in a headlock.
The matter was investigated by Victoria Police, which reviewed CCTV and said no offence had been committed and he had instead placed his hand on her shoulder.
The party ordered Mrs Deeming to apologise and after she refused, removed her as a Liberal candidate.
Following the debacle, she then left the Liberal Party room, insisting she had no regrets.
At a press conference announcing the move, she revealed she had been in talks with “about three or four” other parties before settling on joining Family First.
“I don’t want to list them because I don’t want to do any damage to them, but about three or four other parties, and it was very, very kind of them, and I’m very flattered,” she said.
“But it was such a good match with Family First, and they’ve just got a really strong track record of their principles actually being reflected in their policies.”
She added the incident with Mr Guy had “frightened” her, adding: “He had no right to put his hand on me.”
Lyle Shelton, national director of Family First, said the party’s newest member was “one of the most courageous parliamentarians in Australia.
“Her resilience and tenacity makes her the best person to fight for the families of Western Melbourne,” he said
“Moira does not back down no matter what is thrown at her and she won’t back down when it comes to standing up for the families of Western Melbourne.”
