Key Takeaways
- One Nation’s general manager, Kelvin Morton, referred to party candidate David Farley as an 'asshole' in text messages.
- The messages were revealed days before Farley’s historic Farrer byelection win in May.
- Morton clashed with party HQ staff and Brisbane volunteers in the lead-up to the election.
Documents seen by Guardian Australia reveal that One Nation’s general manager, Kelvin Morton, referred to party candidate David Farley as an 'asshole' in text messages sent just days before Farley’s historic Farrer byelection win in May.
The messages, which were part of a series of communications between Morton and other party figures, surfaced as part of an ongoing investigation into infighting within the party.
Morton responded to a news article published in the Sydney Morning Herald about infighting among senior party figures over Farley’s previously undeclared support for the Labor party.
In the text messages, Morton expressed frustration and criticism towards Farley, using the term 'asshole' to describe him.
The revelation comes as One Nation continues to navigate internal tensions and the aftermath of Farley’s unexpected electoral success.
Morton, who was brought in by the party to improve its vetting processes, has faced criticism for his handling of party dynamics and candidate support.
The text messages also show Morton clashing with party headquarters staff and Brisbane volunteers, highlighting the internal strife within the party in the lead-up to the byelection.
Farley’s victory in the Farrer byelection, which took place in May, marked a significant moment for the party, as he won a seat previously held by the Labor party.
The incident has raised questions about the party’s internal management and the impact of personal conflicts on its electoral strategy.
