Today’s stunning revelation that Labor ran a formal pre-selection process for the seat of Lyons has very serious implications for Ms White, Mr Mitchell and the Prime Minister, Senator Claire Chandler said today.

When Ms White broke her promise not to run for Federal Lyons, both she and Mr Mitchell gave the impression that he was voluntarily stepping aside for her.

“If Bec makes herself available to run for federal office, I fully support that. I think she would be a terrific addition to the federal and Labor parliamentary ranks.” – Brian Mitchell 29 October 2024

“This dirty, dodgy deal stinks,” Senator Chandler said.

“It has been previously reported that “tremendous pressure” was brought to bear on Mr Mitchell from ALP officials to convince him to stand aside for Ms White.

“Now, it’s been revealed that the ALP ran a sham pre-selection process in order to allow Brian Mitchell to trouser over $115,000 in taxpayer cash in return for standing aside.

“Was this gifting of $115,000 in taxpayer funds to Brian Mitchell a pay-off to convince him to stand aside and avoid a messy pre-selection fight?

“What process was used? Was an actual pre-selection held, or did the National Executive merely tick and flick Ms White’s endorsement?

“For example, did Ms White present to National Executive or in any other way participate in a proper pre-selection process?

“Importantly, the decision to endorse Ms White in the sham pre-selection was taken by the National Executive, of which Mr Albanese is a member.

“Was Mr Albanese party to the pre-selection meeting (if indeed there was one?) where Ms White was pre-selected and Mr Mitchell gifted $115,000 in taxpayer money?”