John Alexander by-election twist as he runs against Kristina Keneally in Bennelong by-election

JOHN Alexander’s Bennelong by-election battle continues after the UK Home Office could not even determine if he ever held British citizenship.

LIBERAL MP John Alexander has officially renounced his British ties and can now defend his seat of Bennelong in an upcoming by-election.

Mr Alexander received advice from the UK Home Office in the past 24 hours that he was no longer a dual citizen. It’s unclear whether he ever held British citizenship.

But Sky News Political Editor David Speers has tweeted today that he may not have needed to resign because the UK Home Office “have not been able to definitively prove he ever was a dual citizen, but have renounced any entitlement.”

ok, correction: John Alexander has received confirmation from UK of renunciation of any British citizenship. They have not been able to definitively prove he ever was a dual citizen, but have renounced any entitlement.

— David Speers (@David_Speers) November 17, 2017

Speers said in another tweet that UK authorities could not find evidence one way or the other - and Mr Alexander renounced any kind of entitlement to British citizenship.

Here's what created the confusion, sorry folks. JA says he was informed "I am indeed something I always believed I am, Australian & solely Australian." Turns out UK authorities couldn't find evidence one way or another, so have renounced any entitlement to citizenship. https://t.co/Sm5QK7aR7r

— David Speers (@David_Speers) November 17, 2017

He has since added to his statement saying he believes Mr Alexander was a dual citizen. But now he’s not.

“Today started off with some great news ... I had official notification from the (UK) Home Office that I am indeed something that I’ve always believed I am - Australian and solely Australian,” he told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

Here’s the form. To be clear, it seems John Alexander almost certainly was a dual citizen. Now he’s not. By-election was necessary pic.twitter.com/8YRxIxRW3D

— David Speers (@David_Speers) November 17, 2017

Mr Alexander quit parliament when he discovered he “most likely” held dual citizenship by descent - which would disqualify him under section 44 of the constitution.

He has also been officially endorsed as the candidate by the NSW Liberal Party. Nominations for the by-election close on November 23.

The by-election will be held on December 16.

He will face Labor’s candidate, former NSW premier Kristina Keneally.

Former NSW Premier and Labor candidate for the Federal seat of Bennelong, Kristina Keneally, visits Eastwood Mall in Sydney. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Mr Alexander is also facing competition for the seat, which he holds by 9.5 per cent.

Cory Bernardi is threatening to run his own candidate and derail the Liberal Party’s campaign.

The Australian Conservatives Leader said he intended to run a candidate in the by-election because he was being urged to do so by supporters who no longer felt the Liberal party was looking into their interests, The Australian reports.

Senator Cory Bernardi speaking in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

“At this point, it is our intention to run a candidate in Bennelong because that is clearly the desire of our local members,” Senator Bernardi told The Australian. “The state and federal executives will be finalising our position in the next couple of days. And it will be announced well ahead of nominations closing.”