Victorian Liberal MP Julia Banks quits government and will sit on crossbench

A Liberal MP from Melbourne’s east has sensationally quit the Morrison Government and will move to the crossbench. Julia Banks delivered a stinging attack on her former colleagues saying their actions in removing Malcolm Turnbull were “undeniably for themselves”.

Victorian Liberal MP Julia Banks has sensationally quit the Morrison Government and will move to the crossbench for the remainder of her term.

In a major blow to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s control of parliament in the lower house, he will have to negotiate with just 74 out of 150 seats.

In a blistering statement to the House of Representatives, Ms Banks, whose electorate includes the suburbs of Blackburn, Burwood and Chadstone, delivered a stinging verdict on the party’s direction and its move to the far Right.

HUSAR BACKTRACKS ON DECISION TO QUIT POLITICS

O’DWYER SLAMS LIBERAL ‘IDEOLOGICAL’ WARRIORS

POLITICAL PARTIES SCOOP UP $60M OF YOUR CASH

She has pledged support for the government on confidence and supply, helping it to remain in government through to the election due by May.

Coalition MPs have reacted with anger to the announcement with one telling the Herald Sun: “the f***ing place is falling apart”.

Julia Banks. Photo by Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

Julia Banks and Julie Bishop in Question Time yesterday. Picture Kym Smith

Ms Banks told the parliament she could no longer stay with the Liberals following leadership spill that toppled Malcolm Turnbull.

She said Mr Turnbull and former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop were “visionary” leaders of the “sensible centre” which had helped her become election at the 2016 election.

“Lead by reactionary members of the Right wing, the coup was aided by many MPs, trading their vote for a leadership change in exchange for a promotion, preselection endorsements or silence,” Ms Banks said.

“Their actions were undeniably for themselves, for their position in the party, their power, their personal ambition, not for the Australian people who we represent. Not for what people voted for in the 2016 election. Not for stability and disregarding that teamwork and unity that teamwork and unity delivers success.

“The aftermath of those dark days in August then accurately laid bare the major parties obstructionist and combative actions and internal games. All for political point scoring rather than for timely, practical, sensible decisions on matters that Australians care about.”

Ms Banks embraces independent Cathy McGowan and meets with crossbenchers Rebekha Sharkie, Kerryn Phelps and Andrew Wilkie. Picture: Gary Ramage

Ms Banks said “hundreds” of people from her local community in Chisholm and from across Australia had pleaded with her to stay in politics and become an independent.

The bombshell came as Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the next Budget, on April 2, will deliver a surplus.

The announcement blindsided the government, with Ms Banks not attending party room this morning.

Liberal MPs are furious at Ms Banks actions who say she’d guaranteed loyalty to Mr Morrison and Mr Frydenberg following the leadership spill.

Liberal MP Eric Abetz tweeted that he was “sad’’ to see Ms Banks leave the party and that he hoped she would reconsider.

“Just as I said when Cory (Bernardi) left, it’s always sad to see a member of the family leave and I hope Julia will reconsider over time. Of course it is disappointing but it won’t distract us from delivering good government in the best tradition of our uniting Liberal values,’’ Senator Abetz said.