Ley reveals fresh offer to Littleproud, including benching rebels for 6 months
National MPs sacked for breaching shadow cabinet solidarity will be suspended for six months under Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s new proposal to National Party leader David Littleproud.
The two met Monday night and held talks that both sides described as constructive.
Ley was giving a briefing in the Liberal Party chambers on Tuesday morning.
Ley said his offer to Littleproud included that the three senators who resigned from the shadow cabinet two weeks ago could not sit on the front bench for at least six months, according to sources in the chamber.
Coalition reunification will also require strengthening shadow cabinet discipline. The Liberals would also take back the shadow deputy treasurer portfolio from the Nationals, with the skills portfolio given back in return.
Ley emphasized to his colleagues that the offer was not a demand, but just that.
The Nationals will be able to elect three more MPs to fill the front bench seats left after the resignations of Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald.
More to come
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