Liberal MP Julia Banks to resign at next federal election

Julia Banks says she wanted Malcolm Turnbull to remain PM but was “bullied, intimidated’’ from within her party over the spill.

Julia Banks, right, says she received “bullying and intimidation” from within her own party over Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership spill. Picture: David Geraghty.

Victorian federal Liberal MP Julia Banks will leave politics after her first term in parliament because Malcolm Turnbull was rolled as prime minister.

Ms Banks, who was elected to the seat of Chisholm in the 2016 election, said her constituents wanted Mr Turnbull to stay as party leader, and Julie Bishop to remain as deputy.

STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/ldScV2nJxu

— Julia Banks MP (@juliabanksmp) August 29, 2018

She said she received “bullying and intimidation” from within her own party, as well as from Labor.

“I have always listened to the people who elected me and put Australia’s national interest before internal political games, factional party figures, self-proclaimed powerbrokers and certain media personalities who bear vindictive, mean-spirited grudges intent on settling their personal scores,” Ms Banks said in a statement announcing her resignation.

“Last week’s events were the last straw.”

Chisholm was the only seat the Liberal Party won from Labor at the last election.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, a Peter Dutton backer, said he respected Ms Banks’ decision.

He said it would be up to the Liberal Party’s organisational wing as to whether claims of bullying and intimidation would be investigated.

“Julia Banks is a great contributor, I’ve got very high regard for Julia Banks,” Senator Cormann said.

“I’m obviously disappointed that she’s made that decision but I respect the decision. That is entirely a matter, of course, for her.

“I always treat my colleagues with courtesy and respect and would never condone anyone doing otherwise.”

Julia Banks is my neighbour in the seat of Chisholm. She is a terrific member of the Liberal team and a good friend. Bullying in any workplace, whether on the shopfloor, or in our nation’s Parliament, is totally unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/xyrIFacKYP

— Kelly O'Dwyer (@KellyODwyer) August 29, 2018