Tim Storer drops attempt to seize Nick Xenophon’s Senate seat, clearing the way for Rex Patrick to become SA’s newest senator

FORMER Nick Xenophon Team staffer Rex Patrick will take his old boss’s Senate seat after a rebel NXT candidate abandoned a challenge.

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FORMER Nick Xenophon Team staffer Rex Patrick will take his old boss’ Senate seat after a rebel NXT candidate abandoned a challenge.

The State Government confirmed yesterday that former NXT Senate candidate Tim Storer had dropped his attempt to be appointed to the Senate seat.

Nick Xenophon Team members said the dispute with Mr Storer had been settled “amicably” and he had left the party.

Mr Storer did not return calls from The Advertiser.

A joint sitting of the South Australian Parliament is due on November 14 to elect Mr Xenophon’s replacement.

Rex Patrick has been chosen by the Nick Xenophon Team to replace Nick Xenophon in the Senate.

When a senator resigns, the Constitution requires that the vacant position be filled by a member of the same party.

Mr Storer had challenged the NXT’s decision to nominate Mr Patrick for the casual vacancy. Mr Patrick is a former navy submariner who grew up in Whyalla. Mr Storer’s challenge prompted the State Government to seek legal advice on how Parliament should proceed.