Senator Jacqui Lambie could be latest MP to resign seat over citizenship issues

THE citizenship crisis that has engulfed Canberra could claim an eighth scalp with the future of feisty independent Jacqui Lambie in grave doubt.

Senator Jacqui Lambie. Picture: Kym Smith

THE citizenship crisis that has engulfed Canberra could claim an eighth scalp as soon as today with the future of feisty Tasmanian independent Jacqui Lambie in grave doubt on Monday night.

The Senate circus is rolling on as newly sworn-in Queenslander Fraser Anning — who replaced One Nation citizenship victim Malcolm Roberts — quit the party in a spectacular spat with Pauline Hanson.

It is understood Senator Anning walked after he refused to give an undertaking he would vacate his seat to allow Mr Roberts to return.

The farcical scenes came as the Turnbull Government struck an agreement with Labor to force all MPs and senators to publicly disclose information about their parents and grandparents.

The scandal has caused bitter divisions between the Coalition and the Opposition who are both threatening to use parliament to send a long list of MPs to the High Court.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called for calm over the crisis yesterday, declaring he could still lead the government to victory at the next election.

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Senator Jacqui Lambie in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

He said he was determined to deal with divisive issues facing the country and sent a message to any doubters within the Coalition: “We face plenty of challenges in politics and we deal with them.”

Senator Lambie, originally elected in Tasmania with the now defunct Clive Palmer United Party, revealed on Monday she would resign if it is confirmed she was a British citizen by descent through her Scottish-born father, Thomas.

Who’s in and who’s out in the citizenship scandal. Picture: Supplied

News Corp understands a tearful Senator Lambie confided to a handful of Senate colleagues and government figures yesterday that she feared the British Home Office advice, expected overnight, would likely confirm her status within 24 hours.

There was speculation on Monday night she could attempt a return to parliament — including the possibility of running in a by-election if Tasmanian Labor MP Justine Keay is forced to resign her Lower House position over her citizenship status.

Jacqui Lambi with Nick Xenophon. Picture: Mike Burton

And her likely replacement — Devonport Mayor Steve Martin — could also face Section 44 issues because his role with the council could be deemed as an office of profit under the Crown.

Senior government ministers continued their fierce attacks on Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Monday, accusing him of “seeking to undermine the integrity of the parliament” by “hiding ­evidence” about Labor MPs who may be ineligible to sit in parliament.

Acting PM Julie Bishop said Mr Shorten had been “utterly devious” on the citizenship issue and “had to be dragged into accepting” the government’s plan to deal with it.

The government says its threat to refer at least four Labor MPs to the court later this month was real unless Labor took the step itself.

Bill Shorten has been accused of being ‘utterly devious’ on the citizenship issue. Picture: Gary Ramage

Under the agreement reached yesterday, all senators will be set a December 1 deadline to disclose details of their family history and any dual citizenship renunciation, in a bid to clear up any eligibility problems.

The Senate would then decide if anyone else will be referred to the High Court, which has already disqualified five members of parliament over their dual citizenship in breach of Section 44 of the Constitution. The House of Representatives does not resume sitting until November 27 and is expected to pass a similar resolution.

Attorney-General George Brandis said the fact Labor “will not budge” and agree to be referred to the High Court was “unacceptable”.

Senator Brandis outlined the steps taken by Labor member for Braddon Justine Keay and Labor member for Longman Susan Lamb to renounce their British citizenship.

He said they were preselected by Labor on June 26, 2015, and July 10, 2015, respectively, but waited 11 months and 10 months to begin their renunciation processes.

Originally published as Senator Jacqui Lambie could be latest MP to resign seat over citizenship issues