Moira Deeming is now an independent MP.Credit:Joe Armao
The appearance before the Frankston faithful comes hot on the heels of an online interview with NSW dissident LiberalMatthew Camenzuli,who can probably identify with Deeming’s struggle,having taken former prime ministerScott Morrison to court over Liberal preselections before the 2019 federal election.
Frankston SEC chairman Trevor Stewart told us there was “considerable interest” among the local Liberal membership. Although he wasn’t “at liberty” to tell us how many had signed up to attend,CBD wouldn’t bet against a full house tonight.
However,Deeming,who has been spotted at Liberal events since her expulsion,told us that she received many invitations to speak at Liberal groups – and was more inclined to accept now,than she was while battling against the leader’s efforts to expel her from his party room.
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The MP – who remains a card-carrying party member despite being expelled from caucus – said local Liberal officials risked the wrath of the party’s hierarchy for inviting Deeming along to speak.
“It comes at a cost to them,and I’m grateful to those people,that they’re willing to pay that cost,” Deeming said.
A spokesman for Pesutto said:“It’s a matter for the party organisation,not the leader’s office.”
We’ve given the party organisation’s office a shout,too,and they politely asked us to put them down for a no-comment.
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