Sparking speculation of a possible return to politics, the controversial former Labor leader has reportedly joined the Liberal Democrats.
The Guardian reported that following the move, the New South Wales ALP has banned Latham from the party for life, with the support of Labor leader Bill Shorten.
On Facebook, Latham said he wants to “play a role in fighting for our national values, based on personal freedom and responsibility” and he supports “80-90% of the Liberal Democrats’ platform” which is “pretty good for someone with strong views formed over a long period of time.”
“Plus, as a party of freedom, the Liberal Democrats allow room for dissent and diversity of opinion (Shorten Labor is only interested in diversity of skin colour, gender and sexuality – Safe Schools BS),” he wrote.
Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm compared the move to getting married a second time.
“He had already done that – gotten married a second time – and he’s much better at it,” Leyonhjelm said.
“I think there’s a thought in the back of his mind that he might like to get back into politics but he hasn’t raised that with the party.”
Over on Twitter, Australian commentator Mike Carlton expressed disgust at the “betrayal” of the Labor party.
https://twitter.com/MikeCarlton01/status/861507806783918080