Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate faces LNP exit over light rail support against federal MPs

Mayor Tom Tate’s attacks in support of the $2.7bn light rail extension through Palm Beach have sparked a complaint which could have huge consequences for his political career.

Mayor Tom Tate’s future in the LNP is under a cloud as Gold Coast members prepare an official complaint about his attacks on a conservative MP during the federal election.

The Bulletin has been told by several political sources that an LNP Coast branch has begun preparing a letter to the party’s state executive, complaining about the Mayor’s public’s comments which criticised MPs for failing to get funding for three key infrastructure projects.

Mr Tate is a life member of the LNP and previous ran for mayor under the Liberal Party banner in 2008.

He succeeded in 2012 after running as an independent.

Mayor Tom Tate’s relationship with the LNP has hit a tough spot over his fight with the former federal government over the light rail. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mr Tate’s relationship with the former Morrison government Minister Karen Andrews deteriorated this year after the city missed out on a piece of a $1.8bn City Deal.

It worsened after he and Ms Andrews repeatedly faced off during the election, with the mayor even suggesting he and others should vote for Clive Palmer on the Senate ticket rather than the LNP.

A flashpoint of the federal campaign came when Mr Tate, at a press conference, raised questions about an investment property owned by McPherson MP Karen Andrews on the proposed tram route, while discussing her refusal to support Stage Four of the $2.7b project through Palm Beach.

Karen Andrews. Picture: Mike Batterham

Ms Andrews later said the property was fully disclosed in her register of interests, and added that proponents of light rail had “resorted to these gutter tactics”.

The Bulletin understands Mr Tate’s dispute with the MPs was discussed at a meeting held last Thursday, the day before the LNP Conference began in Brisbane.

A senior LNP source told the Bulletin: “There are quite a few members upset by Tom’s comments in relation to the federal election. Those comments about Karen Andrews, it was a stupid thing for Tom to do. He has been all over (State Transport Minister Mark) Bailey lately. I think there’s also a lot of State MPs sick of Tom barracking for the other side.

“When you get elected on a blue banner, it’s not a good look. You’re either on the team, or you’re not.”

The source said a complaint from a branch would see the mayor given a “show cause” notice, where he would have to explain his behaviour.

Another State LNP source said: “The MPs are not happy with him right now.”

But both state and council political sources believe if the complaint is made, the Mayor will tear up his membership.

“I imagine he would resign,” a council source said.

Mr Tate himself was unconcerned about the prospect of losing his membership.

“I can’t comment on any speculation from the recent LNP conference as I didn’t attend,” he said.

“I’m open and transparent about donating money to the conservative cause as that’s what I believe in but since being elected mayor, I’ve made it clear that I won’t allow party politics to sway my decisions in local government.

“The city comes first.’’

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