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Liberal defector’s big call on parliament run
Hollie Hughes says she is not ruling out a future state or federal run as One Nation adds another high-profile defector.
On Saturday, Former Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes and ex-Liberal Vice President Teena McQueen joined One Nation, with Senator Pauline Hanson announcing the defections at Hughes' pub in Rydal, NSW.
Resigning from the Liberal Party in November, Hughes stated she no longer recognized the organization, claiming One Nation has "stood for the same thing for decades."
Pressed on a potential return to parliament, Hughes said, "I'm not ruling anything in and I'm not ruling anything out," while backing the Coalition's plan to strip permanent residents of welfare benefits.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor dismissed the defections, telling reporters, "If somebody wants to follow others into the orange paddock of despair, that is their choice," before pivoting to attack Labor's tax policy.
One Nation's breakthrough win in the Farrer by-election earlier this month signals growing momentum as the party expands its ranks with additions including former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce.