LNP candidate Henry Pike denies pushing ALP volunteer at pre-polling venue

Police are investigating reports a Coalition candidate allegedly shoved a 49-year-old Labor volunteer at a pre-polling venue.

Police are investigating claims that Henry Pike, the Liberal National Party’s candidate for Bowman, pushed an Labor volunteer at a pre-polling venue in Redlands.

Police have confirmed they received a complaint in relation to an incident in Cleveland on Monday morning.

No charges have been laid.

Wonder why plain clothed QPS are chatting to LNP Bowman candidate Henry Pike? pic.twitter.com/PKLC3b6U2T

— Don Brown MP (@donbrownmp) May 16, 2022

It is alleged around 6.30am a 34-year-old man and a 49-year-old man became involved in a verbal altercation over the placement of political signs out the front of Cleveland Baptist Church on Bloomfield St.

Police will investigate claims the 34-year-old Ormiston man then pushed the 49-year-old man, causing him to stumble backwards.

An LNP spokesperson said Mr Pike denies the claim he allegedly assaulted someone.

“Mr Pike denies this claim. He was acting in self-defence after multiple provocations by Labor volunteers attaching signage to Mr Pike’s marque. He will co-operate with any inquiries to clear his name,” they said.

“The overwhelming experience of this campaign has been the civil and orderly conduct of volunteers from all sides of politics at pre-poll locations. This is an unfortunate outlier and the party calls for more respect from all volunteers.

“Two LNP volunteers have made formal complaints to police in relation to the behaviour of the Labor worker.”

Photos were supplied to NCA Newswire by the LNP as examples of ALP signs allegedly being attached to Mr Pike’s marque.

ALP signs allegedly being attached to Henry Pike’s marque. Source: Supplied

ALP signs allegedly being attached to Henry Pike’s marque. Source: Supplied

A Queensland Labor spokesperson has called for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to take action over the situation.

“The statement by Queensland Police raises serious questions for Scott Morrison, and he must immediately explain what steps he and the Liberal National Party will take to get to the bottom of this alleged incident,” they said.

Mr Pike became the LNP’s candidate in the safe seat of Bowman last year following Andrew Laming’s resignation.

Investigations by police are ongoing.

Originally published as LNP candidate Henry Pike denies pushing ALP volunteer at pre-polling venue