Jacinta Nampijinpa Price speaks out after failed deputy leadership bid for Liberal Party

Nationals Party defector Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has spoken out after her failed bid for deputy leader of the Liberal Party. READ HER STATEMENT.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has spoken out following her failed bid to become deputy leader of the Liberal Party on Tuesday.

Last Thursday, Senator Price stunned National Party colleagues when she announced she would break party convention and move to her “natural home” by caucusing with the Liberal Party.

The ambitious Northern Territory Senator then announced her candidacy to become deputy leader of her new party on Sunday – a bid she ultimately abandoned. 

Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien was elected deputy leader by his party, defeating fellow Herbert MP Phil Thompson for the position, 38 to 16 on the May 13 ballot.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price withdrew from the Liberal Party deputy leadership ballot late on Tuesday. Picture: Gera Kazakov

In a statement on Tuesday Ms Price said she had withdrawn her candidacy after running mate Angus Taylor failed to become the Liberal Party leader.

“I wish to congratulate Sussan Ley as the newly appointed Leader of the Liberal Party, and Ted O’Brien as Deputy Leader,” she said.

“While I am disappointed Angus Taylor was not elected leader, I respect the decision made by my colleagues within the party room today.

“I was contesting the position of deputy leader on a ticket with Angus Taylor, and given the outcome with respect to the position of leader of the Liberal Party, I chose not to contest the position of deputy leader.

“I recognise that I am new to the party, and am grateful that our party is one that afforded me the opportunity to consider putting myself forward for the position of deputy leader in those circumstances.

Michaelia Cash and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price arriving at the Liberal Party room meeting for the leadership vote. Picture: NewsWire / David Beach

“Ultimately, I want the best outcome for all Australians — that is why I entered politics, and why I continue to serve as a member of the Australian parliament.

“So while the outcome today is not the one that I would have wanted, it in no way lessens my commitment to the Liberal Party and the broader Coalition.

“Nor does the outcome lessen my resolve to rebuild and strengthen the Liberal Party.”

Last week, Ms Price said her decision to flip parties was not “taken lightly”.

The move attracted immediate condemnation from National Party colleagues — with Matt Canavan also making a failed bid at party leadership.

Senator Matt Canavan took aim at Senator Price. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“Jacinta’s done enormous damage to her reputation,” Mr Canavan told Sky News on May 8.

“It’s like changing sides on the football field once the whistle has blown and its not the sort of behaviour Australians appreciate.”

To top off a week of failed ambition, Northern Territory MP Luke Gosling’s hopes of attaining an assistant ministry were dashed on Monday.

The fourth-term Labor MP said he was “personally disappointed” to be overlooked, after he suggested before the election he would be getting a promotion if re-elected. 

Originally published as Jacinta Nampijinpa Price speaks out after failed deputy leadership bid for Liberal Party