In July, Liberal MP Ian Goodenough hinted at the possibility of running as an independent in the upcoming election, standing outside a Liberal state council meeting with a sign reading “Moore 1996.” Goodenough mentioned that he had received feedback from a community barbecue where 300 people suggested he should run as an independent. While he acknowledged that running as an independent would mean moving to the crossbench, he had not yet made a final decision and planned to do so closer to the election. A senior Liberal source stated that it was unlikely the party would kick Goodenough out, as he would have to leave on his own accord.
If Goodenough does decide to leave the Liberal party, he would be the fourth MP to leave the Coalition in this term of government, potentially giving Labor an opportunity to criticize Peter Dutton’s leadership in the lead up to the election. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented that Goodenough had been treated poorly by his own party. The WA Liberals state director confirmed that another candidate, Connelly, had been endorsed for Moore, and the party’s campaign activities would be focused on him. Goodenough’s decisions and actions were noted to be his own and not reflective of the party.
The possibility of Goodenough running as an independent has created speculation and tension within the Liberal party, with the MP’s potential departure being seen as a strategic move to gain attention and possibly influence the election narrative. Goodenough himself has not yet made a final decision and plans to do so closer to the election date. The party is cautious about giving him a reason to be expelled and is prepared for the potential fallout if he chooses to leave on his own terms.
Goodenough’s potential departure as a Liberal MP could have implications for the party’s standing in the upcoming election, with Labor ready to use it as a point of criticism against Peter Dutton’s leadership. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Goodenough’s future within the party, he remains undecided about his decision and plans to announce it closer to the election date. The party’s state director reiterated that their focus was on the endorsed candidate for Moore, Connelly, and that Goodenough’s actions were his own to bear.
The situation surrounding Goodenough’s potential departure and decision to run as an independent has raised questions about the internal dynamics of the Liberal party and the impact it could have on the upcoming election. Goodenough’s actions have been met with criticism and speculation, with the party treading carefully to avoid providing him with a reason to be expelled. The uncertainty surrounding his future within the party adds another layer of intrigue to the political landscape in the lead up to the election. Goodenough’s decision, when made, will undoubtedly have ramifications for both himself and the party as a whole.
