Source reveals Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro facing leadership spill as claims of a CLP divide emerge
Lia Finocchiaro could be ousted as leader of the Country Liberal Party, as a divide emerges within the opposition. The NT’s Chief Minister said Territorians deserved better.
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Lia Finocchiaro’s position as leader of the Country Liberal Party is understood to be under threat amid an internal power struggle within the Territory’s opposition, it can be revealed.
A senior source close to the party has told The NT News an internal divide has emerged within the CLP as a push to oust Ms Finocchiaro looms.
It is understood the party is split down the middle with three members supporting Ms Finocchiaro while three are calling for new leadership.
The crucial fourth vote is understood to be dependent on the swing voter’s leadership aspirations.
The source also said within the CLP Ms Finocchiaro was perceived to have a “one dimensional” agenda by focusing heavily on crime in the Territory.
In a statement to the NT News, Ms Finocchiaro said talks of a leadership spill were “unfounded and baseless lies”.
“The CLP is a united team focussed on building a better Territory,” she said.
Individual elected CLP members on either side of the split did not respond to the NT News’ request for comment.
CLP president Lawson Broad would not be drawn on the speculation.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said talks of a leadership spill indicated a “divided, directionless and dysfunctional” CLP.
“Territorians deserve better,” she said.
“I’m sick of talking about them - it’s up to them to answer questions about their leadership, but the fact they haven’t speaks volumes.”
The Chief Minister’s comments come as CLP elected members again failed to publicly back Ms Finocchiaro for the second day running.
Ms Finocchiaro became the CLP leader in 2020 when former leader Gary Higgins stepped down from politics due to health problems.
She lost her first election later that year to Michael Gunner.