Political leadership
Opinion
Opinion
Will Fatima Payman become the Pauline Hanson of the left? That’s up to her
The now-independent WA senator has chosen performative identity politics over Labor Party solidarity. But her next decision could have even more profound implications for Australian politics.
- by Peter Hartcher
Latest
The six weeks that turned Fatima Payman’s rift with Labor into a chasm
Fatima Payman was a quiet backbencher for her first two years in the Senate. But for the past six weeks the former union official has become a household name.
- by James Massola and Paul Sakkal
PM warns against faith-based political movements as Payman hints at next move
Payman said “stay tuned” and “anything can happen” when asked if she wanted to collaborate with a coalition of Muslim community groups planning to run against Labor MPs.
- by Paul Sakkal
Can reality TV stars be politicians in Australia? Survivor star King George thinks so
Known on the show as the king of Bankstown, George Mladenov was the first back-room political operative on Australian Survivor. Now he’s considering getting back on the hustings.
- by Jordan Baker
Opinion
UK election
When I met Starmer, he’d have won my ‘least likely PM’ vote. Look at him now
He’s cautious, a bit bland and with no big vision, but he’s ousted the crooked Conservatives in this chaos-weary country.
- by Kathy Lette
Need more than a warm inner glow: Call to pay whistleblowers
The man whose actions led to the banking royal commission has backed an inquiry’s call for whistleblowers to be paid, saying it will encourage more to come forward.
- by Shane Wright
Analysis
Analysis
Fatima Payman has hurt Labor badly. And she isn’t done yet
Senator Fatima Payman’s defection to the crossbench has caused major damage to the government. And she isn’t done yet, either.
- by James Massola
Parliament House security under review after twin protests
Four protesters unfurled pro-Palestine banners from the roof as a group of climate activists glued themselves to the floor in the building’s Marble Foyer.
- by Olivia Ireland, Angus Thompson and Jessica McSweeney
Updated
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Accusations, intimidation and resignation: Senator Fatima Payman quits Labor
Rebel senator Fatima Payman has quit the Labor Party after creating a political firestorm with her decision to vote against the government over recognising Palestinian statehood.
- by Paul Sakkal and James Massola
Three years ago Keir Starmer considered quitting politics. Now he’s Britain’s PM
The Labour Party has swept to power, ousting the Tories after 14 years. But Starmer will have a lot of work getting voters to believe in his leadership.
- by Rob Harris
Opinion
For subscribers
Labor believes Fatima Payman’s rebellion was plotted for a month
The young senator’s decision to cross the floor and to later speak out against her party bears all the hallmarks of a carefully co-ordinated plan, according to Labor figures.
- by Niki Savva
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/political-leadership-jdb