Independent MP Zali Stegall more likely to support Coalition if Scott Morrison isn’t leader

A crucial MP the Government may rely on if re-elected has said she could withdraw her support if Scott Morrison remains in power.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives in Parliament House Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Independent Zali Stegall has warned the Liberal Party she would be more likely to support the Coalition Government in the event of a hung parliament if Scott Morrison was no longer leader.

The NSW MP raised the prospect of regime change as a condition of supporting the government after the election on the ABC’s Q&A program on Thursday night.

When she was asked how she would operate if she emerged as a ‘Kingmaker’ in a close contest, she admitted Scott Morrison remaining as Prime Minister was a concern.

“Well, where it’s changed is the conversation we’ve just had around leadership. And I do have grave concerns in relation to Scott Morrison’s leadership,’’ she said.

Before the last election, Ms Stegall said her preference would be to support the Coalition on supplying confidence in the event of a hung parliament.

But she said things had changed.

“I know there are deep concerns within my community about some of the things that have occurred.”

Member for Warringah in Sydney, independent Zali Stegall has said she is no fan of the PM. (Image / Monique Harmer)

She was then asked if she would have a different view if there was a different leader.

The question prompted Labor treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers to interject that “Josh Frydenberg is paying a lot of attention to this answer.”

“I want to be clear on this. If they had a different leader, you might support them into a minority government?,’’ host David Speers then asked.

“Ah, that is obviously an open possibility,’’ she replied.

Is it possible for Independent candidates to effectively work with both major parties - or do they eventually have to pick a side? #QandApic.twitter.com/Bw0B1v5H0E

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When Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce interrupted to suggest that’s the one question Zali Stegall can actually answer, she returned serve, prompting applause from the audience.

“Well, with respect, part of the difficulty with the answer is sitting right here – Barnaby Joyce,’’ she said pointing at the Deputy PM.

Mr Joyce then interjected: “Is that the answer? Does that mean you’re supporting Labor?”.

In 2010, the Gillard Government faced a hung parliament and was forced to do deals with Independents to survive.

Earlier, Ms Stegall said her own interactions with the Prime Minister had been “professional.”

However, independent Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie said she had at times felt bullied by the Prime Minister.

“For me, it was trying to do the refugee deal,’’ she said.

“I’m just going to say it – it was like dealing with a 2-year-old, to be honest with you, on a temper tantrum.

“That’s what it was like. It was either his way or the highway. I refused to move and I refused to budge. And I can tell you, I can put up with a fair bit. I’ve spent 10 years in the military. I was one of those first girls trialled in those combat units.

“But, you know, sticking your chest out at me and trying to intimidate me is never going to end up in a good result.”

Originally published as Independent MP Zali Stegall more likely to support Coalition if Scott Morrison isn’t leader