Federal Liberal MP Alex Hawke could face expulsion from NSW Liberals State Council as members of the party’s right wing faction prepare to table a motion at this weekend’s meeting.
Mr Hawke, the current member for Mitchell and former minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs in the Morrison government, could be booted from the party if the motion is successful.
It’s understood at least one branch of the NSW Liberals is preparing a motion to have Mr Hawke expelled.
A spokesman from the NSW Liberals confirmed a motion involving Mr Hawke would be discussed at the weekend but did not specify what it included.
Sky News Australia reports another motion is also being considered to allow the party to reopen preselection in the seat of Bradfield – currently held by former communications minister Paul Fletcher.
The motion, from the Roseville branch of the NSW Liberals, calls for the state council to overrule a decision from the party’s state executive to reject an appeal application by candidate Paul Nettelbeck over preselection for the seat.
Mr Hawke has faced similar factional revolt before after the Artarmon branch of the Liberal Party called for his expulsion in July last year.
Last year, ousted Wentworth MP Dave Sharma made a surprise return to federal politics after claiming the Senate spot left by the retirement of Marise Payne.
Last year, ousted Wentworth MP Dave Sharma made a surprise return to federal politics after claiming the Senate spot left by the retirement of Marise PayneMr Sharma beat out front runner, former NSW transport minister Andrew Constance, 295 to 206, with hard-right hopeful, Zed Seselja, coming in third.
He was able to earn support from Alex Hawke’s centre-right faction, while the conservative candidates were split between backing Jess Colins, Monia Tudehope, and Mr Seslja.