Search for a compromise to fix Liberal Party’s division following Brendan Blomeley’s expulsion

The Premier won’t be drawn on commenting on a possible peace plan to smooth division inside Liberal’s camp following the expulsion of Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley. The latest.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Premier Jeremy Rockliff is remaining tight-lipped over suggestions there was a peace plan negotiated to allow expelled veteran and Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley to return to the Liberal Party.

A government spokesperson said on Sunday: “It is an internal matter for the party and we won’t be providing commentary on internal matters.”

Mr Rockliff did not respond to specific questions about a compromise The Mercury was told had been reached ahead of a meeting that was held last Tuesday by the new chair of the Franklin electorate committee Dean Young who replaced Mr Blomeley.

It is believed Mr Rockliff, deputy Premier Michael Ferguson and ministers Guy Barnett and Eric Abetz tried to resolve ongoing conflict and dissatisfaction in the party at the treatment of Mr Blomeley by coming up with a peace plan.

City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley at Rosny. Picture: Chris Kidd

They came up with an agreement that party president Michael McKenna would withdraw the letter ceasing Mr Blomeley’s party membership and that Mr Blomeley would apologise for not immediately rejecting suggestions in the media that he was considering standing as an independent candidate at the March state election.

However, it is understood Mr McKenna changed his mind on the plan.

Liberal Party state director Peter Coulson said on Sunday he did not comment on internal party matters.

A long-standing member who attended the electorate committee meeting said he was upset and disappointed at how Mr Blomeley continued to be treated by the party he had loyally served for 30 years.

“The party is being split by something that should never have got this far,” he said.

“The meeting on Tuesday showed a depth of feeling for Brendan and passed a motion on the voices supporting him.”

Mr Blomeley did not attend the meeting but Mr Coulson gave a detailed account of why Mr Blomeley had been expelled, a decision supported by the party’s state executive.

The member said there was standing room only at the meeting and estimated as many as 120 members attended, a figure disputed by others as too high.

However, sources not supportive of Mr Blomeley rejected there was any so-called peace plan and said the Parliamentary Liberal Party was not involved in organisational matters.

“There’s no truth to any so-called peace plan, it is just not true,” he said.

A meeting of 85 members of the Franklin electorate committee has previously carried a motion of no confidence in Mr McKenna.