Senator Kristina Keneally sacks staffer over texts to former Liberal MP

A Labor staffer has been sacked after he sent text messages to a former Liberal MP claiming he had “proof” he had an extramarital affair.

The text a Labor staffer sent to a former Liberal MP that let to him losing his job.

Labor frontbencher Kristina Keneally has been forced to terminate the employment of a staffer after he sent text messages to a former Liberal MP claiming he had “proof” the man had an extramarital affair.

A shocked Senator Keneally sacked the man on Thursday afternoon after she was alerted that her staffer had sent a text message to the former Liberal MP at 8:21pm on Wednesday night threatening to release “damning” evidence.

News.com.au understands the matter has now been referred to police for consideration in an ongoing Australian Federal Police investigation.

“Personally, man to man, I would issue a public apology this morning owning the mess you’ve made,’’ the text said.

“It’s now up to you. People deserve to know the truth and my experience suggests people are more forgiving when they see some type of remorse. Happy to chat.”

Screenshot of texts sent by a staffer to a former Liberal MP, claiming he had ‘proof’ the man had an extramarital affair.

The sacked staffer told news.com.au that he had texted the MP in a “private capacity” to support a friend who claims to have had an affair with the former MP.

He was then sent a termination letter that stated his employment had been terminated effective immediately.

“I have been made aware today of your involvement in a series of events that has caused a serious and imminent risk to the reputation of my office and position as a Senator in parliament,’’ Senator Keneally wrote.

“I consider your actions to be serious misconduct in your role.

“I have seen the text messages sent from your phone to Mr REDACTED.

“These behaviours are completely unacceptable. I am appalled by your behaviour and will not tolerate any employee in my office acting in such a manner towards any person.”

Senator Kristina Keneally during Question Time in the Senate Chamber in Parliament House Canberra.

News.com.au understands that the former politician says the allegations referred to in the texts that he had an extramarital affair with another MP are “completely untrue”.

The bizarre saga centres around another woman’s claim that she had a sexual relationship with the former MP.

But the woman has continued to ask the Liberal Party to investigate the matter, a campaign that has recently included writing letters to the Liberal Party’s federal executive and the state branch.

Liberal Party sources say the matter was investigated at the time.

The Australian Federal Police are investigating these claims as to whether or not they have involved the use of a carriage service to menace and harass the serving MP and the former MP.

Originally published as Senator Kristina Keneally sacks staffer over texts to former Liberal MP