Heated confrontation between Liberal Party’s Katie Allen and UAP’s Ingram Spencer at ballot draw

The battle for Higgins has turned ugly with police alerted over allegations of “aggressive” behaviour from a United Australia Party candidate.

THE Australian Federal Police are on alert following allegations about “aggressive” behaviour from a United Australia Party candidate vying for the seat of Higgins.

The Herald Sun can reveal a nasty confrontation occurred between Liberal MP Katie Allen and UAP candidate Ingram Spencer on Friday.

The AFP were notified of “a report of a disturbance” at the Australian Electoral Commission in Camberwell, which occurred prior to the ballot draw.

Audio of the incident, obtained by the Herald Sun, reveals Mr Spencer grilled Dr Allen over her stance on issues.

He also makes comments about “mean girls” and “bitchiness” in politics.

Dr Allen tells Mr Spencer that “you’re not doing yourself any favours”, before saying to another person that he’s been “scaring everyone” and his actions have seen candidates banned from two shopping centres.

Ingram Spencer is a candidate for United Australia Party in Higgins.

In a statement, the AFP said it was “aware of the circumstances of the incident”.

“No formal complaint has been made in relation to the incident, and at this time no criminal offences have been identified,” it said.

A United Australia Party spokesman said it was not notified about the incident.

Mr Spencer describes himself as “a fighter” who is “able to defend and strategically win arguments”.

He also posts videos online of him “preaching about free speech” in public. In one social media post, he addresses concerns about his approach.

“Anyone that thought my last video, where I was speaking in front of the Greens candidate, was a bit harsh, please remember the Greens are funded by mega-corporations as they have trillions $$ invested in renewable energy,” he wrote on Twitter.

Political operatives from across the divide have told the Herald Sun they are concerned about the safety of their female candidates.

Liberal MP Katie Allen said the UAP candidate is “scaring everyone”. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Dr Allen said federal election campaigns can get “very willing”, but must be conducted in a “safe, open, and respectful manner”.

She said free speech was a fundamental aspect of Australia’s democracy, which could be exercised respectfully.

“Those who descend to aggressive, personal tactics belittle themselves and sour our democratic processes for all of those participating,” Dr Allen said.

“Anyone who doesn’t respect this should take some time out to reflect on their behaviour and the harm they are doing.”

Greens candidate Sonya Semmens said Higgins had three accomplished female candidates, which was something to “celebrate and protect”.

“Aggressive, toxic behaviour has no place in political campaigning and shouldn't be allowed to hide under the guise of a ‘robust contest’,” Ms Semmens said.

“The safety of voters and volunteers must come first, yet this behaviour invariably impacts women and people in minority groups, excluding them from the free and safe participation in democracy to which they are entitled.”

Mr Spencer’s bio states that earlier pushes into council as an independent led him to the Liberal Party. But he said the party was “so compromised that there is no hope there”.

The Herald Sun attempted to contact Mr Spencer but did not receive a response by deadline.