Arabic version: كولين هاركين تستقيل من الحزب الليبرالي بسبب مخاوف من الاتجاه

According to ABC News,

Colleen Harkin has resigned from the Liberal Party, noting she had been concerned about the party’s direction for years. Her resignation follows her attendance at a One Nation fundraiser just a week prior, where she noted a “very high energy positive feel” and a diverse group of attendees.

Harkin, who previously ran as a federal Liberal candidate for the seat of Macnamara and serves as the director of education at the conservative think tank the Institute of Public Affairs, expressed her discontent with the party’s current state in an email to members. She stated that despite her dedication over the years, she can no longer support an organization that has lost sight of its core principles.

In her resignation letter, Harkin criticized the party for being in an “insipid state” due to a lack of policy conviction and factionalism. She emphasized that her values remain unchanged, but the party has strayed from the principles that inspired her loyalty.

Harkin also addressed ongoing legal issues within the party, specifically a controversial $1.55 million loan made to former Liberal leader John Pesutto to cover his personal legal debts. She has been involved in a Supreme Court action challenging this loan, arguing that it breaches trust and fails to protect party assets. The case is expected to continue, with Harkin remaining an active participant.

Harkin’s resignation marks a significant moment for the Liberal Party as it navigates internal disputes and questions about its future direction.