Former Liberal Candidate Britton Accuses Party of 'Witch Hunt' After Disendorsement

Ben Britton, a former Liberal candidate for the NSW seat of Whitlam, was disendorsed after controversial comments resurfaced regarding women in combat roles, which he argued should be exclusive to men due to physical burdens. Britton characterized his removal as a 'witch hunt' orchestrated by factional conflicts within the Liberal Party, claiming that both left and right factions conspired against him to undermine party leader Peter Dutton. Despite his comments being labeled inconsistent with party values, Britton insisted he supports women in the Australian Defence Force, but only in non-combat positions. He expressed relief at being able to voice his opinions freely as an independent candidate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Britton's views, suggesting they reflect a hard-right takeover of the Liberal Party. The party's decision to disendorse Britton comes just weeks before the election, raising questions about internal party dynamics and candidate selection.