Eight Nationals Resign from Shadow Ministry in Solidarity Move

In short: The eight remaining Nationals in the shadow ministry have quit their roles in solidarity with three senior colleagues dumped for opposing new hate laws. Senators Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell were dropped from the frontbench after they broke shadow cabinet solidarity, fuelling speculation of another Coalition split. Nationals sources have confirmed all members of the party have now resigned from the Coalition frontbench. The eight remaining Nationals in the shadow ministry have quit their roles in solidarity with three senior colleagues dumped for opposing new hate laws. Nationals sources have confirmed all members of the party have resigned from the Coalition frontbench, following through on a threat first issued to Opposition Leader Sussan Ley on Tuesday. Nationals leader David Littleproud had advised Ms Ley the mass exodus would occur if she accepted the resignations of shadow cabinet ministers Ross Cadell, Bridget McKenzie and Susan McDonald after they crossed the floor on the hate legislation. This afternoon, Ms Ley announced she had accepted the resignations of the senators after the trio went against the position resolved by the shadow cabinet and voted against Labor's amended and watered-down hate laws. The Nationals then convened a snap meeting in the evening, resolving after 90 minutes that all remaining members of the frontbench would quit their positions. Shadow Assistant Treasurer Pat Conaghan announced in a statement that he had sent his resignation to Ms Ley due to his opposition to the hate laws backed by the Liberals. "While I and my National Party colleagues fully support the intent of the legislation, we do not support the rushed iteration that has been presented," he said. In a statement, Ms Ley acknowledged the issue was difficult for the Nationals' party room. But she said when the Coalition reformed following the party's election loss, the Nationals agreed to the "foundational principle" that they would adhere to decisions of the shadow cabinet. "Last night three Nationals senators were unable to maintain that shadow cabinet solidarity," Ms Ley said. "This is an unfortunate circumstance and one that requires action. "[The senators] have each offered their resignations from the shadow cabinet, as is appropriate, and I have accepted them." Senator Cadell had said he was prepared to be sacked or resign over his decision. "I am willing to take the consequences of my actions, I think that is fair," he said. "I can't do the crime if I'm not prepared to do the time." Loading