Branch Stacking Allegations Lead to New Senate Candidate Vote in Canberra
The Liberal Party's Senate candidate for Canberra, Jacob Vadakkedathu, faces a vote to be disendorsed following allegations of branch stacking.
Party members, speaking anonymously, revealed that Vadakkedathu was called in for a meeting with senior officials on Thursday. During the meeting, he was presented with evidence suggesting he had signed up allies to influence the pre-selection process for the Senate ticket.
Concerns about the pre-selection vote led to a petition calling for a new vote within 25 days. The petition, which garnered the necessary signatures, was handed to Liberal branch president Nick Tyrrell. Vadakkedathu was then encouraged to step down, with the threat of a new vote if he refused.
On Friday morning, Tyrrell announced a new vote to pre-select Senate candidates for the ACT. In an email to members, he acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized his obligation to follow the party constitution. He also expressed his desire to see Peter Dutton become Prime Minister later in the year.
Vadakkedathu declined to comment, stating that the matter was an internal party issue.
The new ballot will be held on February 1st, ensuring the selection of Senate candidates in time for an election before mid-May.
While branch stacking, the practice of recruiting individuals to influence candidate selection, is not illegal, the ACT Liberal branch is particularly susceptible due to its short three-month qualification period and the requirement of attending only one branch meeting to be eligible to vote.
The Liberal Party lost its Senate seat in the ACT to independent David Pocock during the 2022 election. The Canberra Liberals have yet to comment on the situation.