George Christensen’s move to One Nation will have the LNP sweating

Renegade MP George Christensen’s decision to join Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will put LNP strategists on edge – and could have massive ramifications for the country in the event of a hung parliament, writes Matthew Killoran.

Make no mistake, George Christensen’s defection will have the Coalition sweating.

While southern residents may write him off, the politician is hugely popular in his electorate and a brand in his own right.

Combine that with Senator Pauline Hanson’s own pulling power and they will make a formidable pair if he chooses to run in his old seat of Dawson.

This is a realisation of a fear held by his National party colleagues for some time.

There have been many long conversations held between Christensen and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, whom he respects, as well as some of his other trusted colleagues.

Bob Katter has openly courted him to join his own ranks as well.

It won’t be a complete shock to them, but it will be a disappointment.

More than that, it will be a challenge.

George Christensen and Senator Pauline Hanson (front) will make a formidable pair. Picture: Gary Ramage

They need to hold every seat in Queensland to retain power and now they will have to divert scarce campaign resources into fending off an assault from someone they see as one of their own.

One Nation managed to secure more than 13 per cent of the vote with an unknown candidate in Dawson, and Christensen is a household name in Mackay.

Even expenses scandals and revelations about how much time he was spending in the Philippines, even before he met his now wife there, failed to dent his popularity.

Whitsunday Mayor Andrew Willcox is the LNPs candidate there but holds nowhere near the profile of Christensen.

If Christensen and the Coalition both win come May 21, the government may well have to deal with their ex-colleague to form a majority.

It will put significant power in his hands.

Originally published as George Christensen’s move to One Nation will have the LNP sweating