Liberals’ headaches continue as Perth MP joins in on Albanese photo op

Opposition leader Peter Dutton is perilously close to losing another sitting Liberal to the crossbench ahead of the election as Moore MP Ian Goodenough continues to publicly flirt with the idea of quitting the party to run as an independent.

Goodenough’s antics raised eyebrows in Perth on Tuesday as he joined Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Early Childhood Education Minister for Youth Anne Aly and state Labor MPs visiting a TAFE.

Liberal Moore MP Ian Goodenough with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a TAFE visit in Perth’s northern suburbs.

The four term MP was pictured laughing along with Albanese as he spoke to TAFE students and staff, which he then shared to his own social media channels.

Goodenough’s jaunt with Albanese angered both senior Liberals and local branch members with one Moore local, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, saying his actions were “sad, embarrassing and confused.”

“One minute he’s talking about running for the Nationals and the next he’s appearing with a Labor prime minister. It’s all very undignified,” they said.

Goodenough defended his actions and said he had previously campaigned for more funding for the TAFE they visited, and he was just representing the interests of his community.

“I’ve had a little bit of heat, but I’m just trying to do my best,” he said.

Goodenough has been a thorn in the side of the WA Liberals after losing a brutal preselection challenge by former Stirling MP Vince Connelly in February – 137 votes to 39.

He has publicly stated on several occasions he was considering running for the seat as an independent or even as a National, but would not make up his mind until the election was called.

In July Goodenough stood outside a Liberal state council meeting alongside a large foam sign reading “Moore 1996” – referencing the time the northern suburbs seat was won by Liberal-turned independent Paul Filing.

Goodenough told this masthead he had recently held a community barbecue with 300 people where he had received feedback that he should run as an independent.

Liberal Moore MP Ian Goodenough with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a TAFE visit in Perth’s northern suburbs.

He said he realised if he decided to run as an independent he would have to move to the crossbench, but he still planned to make his mind up when the election was called.

“At the time I do make that decision, I have to let the party know, and it’ll be done closer to the time,” he said.

“I’m leaning toward making the decision [when the election is called].”

A senior Liberal source who was not authorised to speak on behalf of the party said it was unlikely the party would kick Goodenough out ahead of the election – he would have to leave.

“He wants to be a jilted Liberal MP expelled from the party, but the party is wise to it and won’t give him the justification,” he said.

If he quits, Goodenough would be the fourth MP to leave the Coalition in this term of government – giving Labor ammunition to attack Dutton about his leadership in the lead up to the election.

On Wednesday, Albanese said Goodenough had been treated “shabbily” by his own party.

WA Liberals state director Simon Morgan said Connelly was the endorsed candidate for Moore and the party’s campaign activities would be directed to him.

“Mr Goodenough’s decisions and actions are a matter for him,” he said.

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