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GetUp throw Tony Abbott party at his Manly office

GetUp — a left-wing lobby group — staged a lively ‘retirement party’ for Tony Abbott outside his constituency office this morning.

GetUp held the protest outside Tony Abbott’s office.
GetUp held the protest outside Tony Abbott’s office.

GetUp — a left-wing lobby group — staged a lively “retirement party” for Tony Abbott outside his constituency office this morning.

Around 20 members of the group gathered in Sydney Rd, Manly, with a giant retirement cake for the veteran politician.

Members took turns to make speeches and sign a giant retirement card as bemused members of the public looked on.

Members shared the giant chocolate cake following the speeches.
Members shared the giant chocolate cake following the speeches.

“We are here to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Tony getting elected as the member for Warringah,” Miriam Lyons, from GetUp, said.

“Everyone is very keen to wish him a happy retirement as Warringah voters think that after 25 years of wrecking our politics and wrecking our climate, it is time to give someone else a go.”

Many of the protesters wore party hats.
Many of the protesters wore party hats.

One of the GetUp members was dressed up as the politician with a giant Tony Abbott head.

“We are concerned about a whole range of issues from climate change to refugees and single sex marriage and we’re not happy about some of the stances he has taken on those issues,” Queenscliff GetUp member Richard Walker said.

Richard Walker speaking at the protest.
Richard Walker speaking at the protest.

“I’ve got no doubt something has changed in the last year and a half. I’ve been involved in door knocking for GetUp and there is no doubt there is a strong feeling against Tony Abbott.

“Certain people are very pro but there has been a change. People feel he has been around too long and that he doesn’t represent their views.”

GetUp said earlier this year they would door knock every voter in Warringah in a bid to oust Mr Abbott.

Protesters out the front of Tony Abbott’s office.
Protesters out the front of Tony Abbott’s office.

The 61-year-old has responded by launching his own fundraising drive to fight back against the “left wing activists”.

Recent polling suggests Zali Steggall is slightly ahead of Mr Abbott is the race for Warringah.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/getup-throw-tony-abbott-party-at-his-manly-office/news-story/f49adce0e9a18728446ac4b511355413