Macarthur Labor MPs react as former leader joins One Nation

MACARTHUR region Labor MPs say they are not worried about the party losing votes to One Nation star recruit Mark Latham.

• Private children’s hospital announced for Macarthur region
• Meat cleaver used in Campbelltown fast food robbery

MACARTHUR region Labor MPs say they are not worried about the party losing votes to One Nation star recruit Mark Latham.

Mr Latham announced this morning he would lead One Nation’s NSW branch and would be a candidate for the NSW Upper House at the state election next March.

Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren said he was not concerned Labor would lose votes to One Nation

“To be frank One Nation is further to the right than Genghis Khan,” he said.

It is not known yet if One Nation plans to run a candidate in the Liberal-held seat of Wollondilly where Mr Latham lives.

One Nation Party leader Pauline Hanson and One Nation candidate and state leader for NSW Mark Latham speak to the media in Sydney today. Picture: Joel Carrett

Mr Latham recently launched Shooters and Fishers candidate Jason Bolwell’s campaign in the electorate.

Macarthur federal Labor MP Dr Michael Freelander said Mr Latham’s move to One Nation reflected his desire to find relevance in the modern political climate.

“I don’t think he’s ever really left the political scene and he’s been trying to find relevance for some time now,” Dr Freelander said.

“Australia is a democracy and it’s good to have people put their hands up.

“He and I do have diametrically opposing views but he was one of the people who I asked for advice from before entering the parliament.

Macarthur federal Labor MP Michael Freelander rang Mark Latham for advice before running in the 2016 election. Picture: Mick Tsikas

“I don’t think it’s a slap in the face to Labor as it is more a sign of Mark’s changing political philosophy.”

Dr Freelander said debate in next years federal and state elections should “look at what’s bringing us together rather than what divides us”.

Mr Warren said One Nation had no solid policies in place for the March state election.

“An issue I have been campaigning on is the dispensation between population growth and the delivery of services and infrastructure which is a major problem for the people of Campbelltown.

“I’ve not seen one constructive policy from One Nation that addresses anything to do with that, apart from populist statements.

Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren criticised One Nation’s policy agenda. Picture: Jeremy Ng

“I haven’t seen any of their policies in detail so I’ll be watching very closely to see what they have to say, ultimately it will be up to the people of NSW to decide.”

Local Labor MPs said they weren’t concerned at losing votes to their former leader and his new party.