Jacinta Price Joins Liberals as Dutton Loses Seat

Northern Territory Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a member of the Country Liberal Party, has defected from the Nationals to join the Liberal Party, citing a desire to be more effective as the Coalition rebuilds following the recent election loss in which Liberal leader Peter Dutton lost his seat. Price’s move allows her to participate in the impending Liberal leadership contest, with Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor leading the field. She emphasized her commitment to restoring core Liberal values and contributing to the party’s future direction. Price expressed gratitude to the Nationals, particularly for her leadership in the No campaign against the Voice referendum, and clarified that her move is not a criticism of her former party. The leadership contest unfolds as the Liberal Party faces internal debates over its nuclear energy policy and broader strategic direction. Price's defection could impact both the balance of power and the leadership dynamics within the Coalition.