LNP president Dave Hutchinson admits ‘mistakes have been made’ in Frecklington stoush
Dave Hutchinson admits to playing his part in a stoush that threatened to destabilise Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington just months out from the next state election.
LNP president David Hutchinson resigned under pressure over his links to Clive Palmer and criticism of LNP Leader Deb Frecklington. (Photo: Darren England/AAP Image)
LNP president David Hutchinson has admitted to party members he made mistakes in the recent public blow-up with Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington.
“Mistakes have been made and I take responsibility for my share of them,” he wrote in a party electronic newsletter.
“Tough conversations have been held to ensure that we are in the best position to win [the election].”
Hutchinson was singled out by some high-profile LNP members for leaking an internal poll last month that was critical of Frecklington.
The damaging leak prompted the Opposition Leader to publicly call out what she called “back room bullies” within the party organisation.
Federal frontbencher Peter Dutton called for Hutchinson’s resignation, describing his position as “untenable”.
A meeting of the LNP executive failed to break the deadlock, and instead called on Hutchinson, Frecklington and her deputy Tim Mander to meet in the hope the could resolve their differences.
That meeting was held last week, but no statement was issued afterwards.
Frecklington has since declined to talk about the issue, describing it as “an internal party matter”.
But Hutchinson addressed the issue in a June 26 electronic email to LNP members.
“In recent weeks there has been a great deal of media interest, commentary and speculation about internal issues within our party,” he wrote.
“Deb Frecklington will be leading our team to the election and I can assure you that both the organisational and parliamentary wings of the LNP are determined to work as one to win the coming state election — this is our singular purpose.
“The LNP can win this election, but we must not be complacent.”
It’s understood the leaking of the internal poll was prompted by difficulties in raising party donations and concerns that Frecklington was not cutting through.
But the party’s parliamentary wing strongly backed the Opposition Leader.
Frecklington also called on Hutchinson to cut his commercial links to businessman and potential political rival Clive Palmer, something he later agreed to.
– ABC / state political correspondent Peter McCutcheon
