Craig Kelly resigns from Liberal Party after COVID conspiracy drama

Controversial MP Craig Kelly has sensationally resigned from the Liberal Party, handing the Prime Minister a letter stating his intention to quit the party.

Controversial Hughes MP Craig Kelly has sensationally resigned from the Liberal Party, handing the Prime Minister a letter stating his intention to quit the party effective immediately according to sources inside the party room.

Mr Kelly, who was recently called on the carpet by the prime minister for his spruiking of alternative coronavirus therapies and what many called conspiracy theories, made the move in a Liberal Party caucus meeting on Tuesday.

Craig Kelly has quit the Liberal Party. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

In his resignation letter, Mr Kelly referenced a previous speech by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in which he referred to New Zealand’s America’s Cup defence, where the only relevant consideration for anything they did was “does that make the boat go faster”.

“I acknowledge that some of my conduct over recent months has not helped the boat go faster,” he said in the letter.

“However at all times I have acted upon my conscious (sic) and my beliefs - not political expediency.”

Mr Kelly said his goal had only been to “save lives” and ensure people were not denied access to medical treatments.

This was a reference to his continued push for the use of unproven treatments for COVID-19 against public health advice.

“Therefore I see that if I’m to continue to act in line with conscious (sic) and principles, and the oath that I took on becoming a member of parliament, and to speak fearlessly and faithfully represent my constituents, I have no alternative other than to resign as a member of the Liberal Party effective immediately and for the rest of this Parliamentary term, to sit on the cross benches as an Independent,” he said.

After issuing his resignation Mr Kelly said the government will be able to “continue to function” without his support but that he has quit in order to “speak out” on unproven COVID-19 treatments.

“This is the best decision for myself and for the people that I represent,” Mr Kelly said.

“I believe one of the greatest mistakes that has been made in this country, and also the world was from prohibiting doctors from prescribing ivermectin and (hydroxychloroquine).”

Scientists and Australian health experts have repeatedly stated there is no evidence either drug alleviates symptoms of COVID-19.

Mr Kelly said he was not an anti-vaxxer, but supported the use of the other treatments “in concert” with vaccinations.

Craig Kelly’s resignation letter.

Craig Kelly’s resignation letter.

However, one Liberal source said there had been direct “pressure” on Mr Kelly to sack his longtime office manager Frank Zumbo, who has been accused by a young woman of unwanted touching.

The source said Mr Kelly’s resignation was a combination of being a “wayward MP” who had refused to stay on message with public health announcements and would rather resign than sack Mr Zumbo. Mr Zumbo has not been charged with any offence. Mr Kelly has previously said Mr Zumbo’s matter was a private, civil dispute.

NSW Police last year obtained an AVO against Mr Zumbo.

Mr Zumbo, whose job included hiring and managing work experience staff and interns, has remained in the role.

Mr Zumbo has vehemently denied any allegations of wrongdoing

Member for Hughes Craig Kelly has resigned from the Liberal Party. Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty

One Liberal MP told The Daily Telegraph Mr Kelly’s decision to quit the party was a “treacherous act” after he had been repeatedly backed to keep his seat in the past.

The source said Mr Kelly justified his peddling of unproven COVID-19 treatments as wanting to “save lives”.

“(His departure is) a complete treacherous act,” the MP said.

“All the times his arse has been rescued by the party, and he does this.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “The government will continue to function, as it has successfully. The government has led Australia through the worst situation we’ve seen since the Second World War,” he said.

“We had a discussion a couple of weeks ago as you’ll be aware. I set out some very clear standards and he made some commitments that I expected to be followed through on.

“He no longer felt that he could meet those commitments, but I can tell you, my standards don’t change.”

The Prime Minister added he was not concerned about losing his majority.

Meanwhile, Sutherland locals have described Mr Kelly as “unpopular” in the electorate thanks to his “controversial” opinions on vaccines and climate change.

Resident Andrew Hewitt, 64, said he would not vote for the former Liberal member but doesn’t agree that he should have resigned and moved to the crossbench.

“We wouldn’t vote for him, he’s too controversial,” Mr Hewitt said.

“(But) I don’t think it’s appropriate to just walk out as a senior member of the the Liberal party. The alternative is to fall in line and not be a radical on the outside, he will cause more trouble. If you’re a party member then be a team player.”

Ruth and Andrew Hewitt say they don't support Craig Kelly's radical opinions and think he has let the government down. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Wife Ruth Hewitt said she did not support Mr Kelly’s views around COVID-19 and climate change.

“His COVID ideas around vaccines were controversial. He an anti-vaxer and I don’t agree with that. I think we need to stick with the medical knowledge,” she said.

“Climate change is another thing I don’t agree with him on. Our local paper is always full of letters that are anti Craig Kelly. He’s not popular here.”