LNP candidate may be dumped over interference allegations

Moves are being made to potentially dump a beleaguered LNP candidate following allegations he interfered with the preselection process.

An internal LNP investigation into beleaguered candidate Henry Pike has been launched, as party sources say moves are being made to potentially dump him as the pick for Bowman.

Mr Pike, picked by the branch rank-and-file to replace retiring MP Andrew Laming, is being investigated by the LNP’s disputes committee, after allegations he interfered with the preselection process.

Mr Pike has declined to comment on internal party matters, though his supporters have previously described the allegations against him as disgruntled opponents clutching at straws.

It’s understood the LNP’s former honorary legal adviser Bernard Ponting has been brought back into the fold for the investigation, with one party source saying a “microscope had been put on Henry Pike”.

Bowman election LNP candidate Henry Pike.

The party has also put a “pause” on ratifying sitting MP and candidates for the next election, with Mr Pike among them.

Party sources said that the move would help the LNP buy time as the disputes committee looked into Mr Pike.

It’s understood that if the ­allegations are substantiated party operatives intend to ask Mr Pike to resign.

An LNP source said Mr Pike was effectively a “dead man walking”, if the disputes committee makes ­adverse findings against him.