Former SA Best leader Nick Xenophon breaks silence to endorse Rebekha Sharkie for Mayo

FORMER SA Best leader Nick Xenophon has emerged from self-imposed exile to endorse his ally Rebekha Sharkie for the Mayo by-election.

Nick Xenophon says he “strongly supports” Rebekha Sharkie’s re-election. Picture: AFP / Brenton Edwards

• Former SA Best leader entering self-imposed political exile
• Nick Xenophon’s name stripped from his parties

FORMER SA Best leader Nick Xenophon has emerged from self-imposed exile to endorse his ally Rebekha Sharkie for the Mayo by-election and downplay her suggestion he has retired from politics.

In a statement to The Advertiser, the former senator and state politician backed his one-time offsider but did not rule out a return to politics.

Ms Sharkie will recontest Mayo on July 28 as a candidate for the Centre Alliance – the rebadged Nick Xenophon Team – and has had campaign backing from federal MPs including Bob Katter and Cathy McGowan.

But Mr Xenophon has not joined her on the campaign and, responding to questions about this on Twitter, Ms Sharkie said he had “retired from politics”, was no longer in the party and was not funding her campaign.

Asked if he had retired from politics, Mr Xenophon said: “Whilst not actively involved in politics now, I strongly support Rebekha’s re-election.

“She’s been an outstanding representative for Mayo, fighting for her community and getting results. If Mayo becomes a Liberal seat again, it will be taken for granted again.

“A vote for Rebekha will ensure that Mayo will continue to matter.”

Ms Sharkie said: “Nick has given 20 years to South Australia. We all wish him the very best and we’ve learned much from him and the three of us (Centre Alliance MPs) … are working together.”

Liberal state director Sascha Meldrum said Ms Sharkie and Mr Xenophon were at odds over his political future.

“Ms Sharkie is aligning herself with Labor and Bob Katter in search of a party and clearly distancing herself from Nick Xenophon,” she said.