Labor MPs Justine Keay, Josh Wilson, and Susan Lamb, plus independent MP Rebekha Sharkie have resigned from the House of Representatives in relation to dual citizenship violations stemming from Section 44 of the Constitution.
Their resignations came after today’s High Court ruling that Labor senator Katy Gallagher was not ineligible to serve in Parliament at the time of her election, as she had not successfully renounced her British citizenship beforehand.
Keay, Wilson, Lamb, and Sharkie have all voiced their intention to re-contest their seats in the upcoming by-elections.
.@AustralianLabor‘s @JoshWilsonMP is resigning after High Court ruling cast doubt about his eligibility. pic.twitter.com/ta8IS2NKoy
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) May 9, 2018
#BREAKING: @AustralianLabor MP @justinekeay is resigning after High Court ruling cast doubt about her eligibility. pic.twitter.com/FyGOD9atwZ
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) May 9, 2018
#BREAKING: Centre Alliance MP @MakeMayoMatter has resigned after High Court ruling cast doubt about her eligibility. pic.twitter.com/MyBJVQ41p4
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) May 9, 2018
The ABC reports that all of the pollies bar Lamb have successfully renounced their dual citizenships after being elected. Lamb has stated she is not to blame for the mix-up as she is estranged from her surviving parent, who holds the marriage certificate needed by the British Government to totally rescind her citizenship.
Their resignations mark one of the most brutal days in the ongoing Section 44 scandal, which has seen many, many pollies from all corners of the political landscape turfed out of office.
We’ll keep you posted on this one.
