George Christensen apologises for lying about leaving the LNP
Sunday, 03 December 2017
George Christensen apologises for lying over threats to quit the LNP
Maverick Coalition MP George Christensen has apologised for lying about his threats to desert the LNP and sit as an independent MP.
News Corp columnist Andrew Bolt revealed today that Mr Christensen had told him, Sky News commentator Peta Credlin and ex-Liberal crossbencher Cory Bernardi last week that he was prepared to quit the government if Malcolm Turnbull was still prime minister by the time parliament rose for Christmas.
According to Bolt, Mr Christensen asked them to spread the word without using his name.
Following Bolt’s report on Sky News, The Australian asked Mr Christensen if he was the unnamed MP threatening to quit.
“It’s not me,” Mr Christensen said at the time.
He gave the same answer to other journalists, including Bolt and Credlin’s Sky News colleague Samantha Maiden
In an email to The Australian last night Mr Christensen apologised for lying.
“My apologies for not telling you the truth re reports of me leaving,” he said.
“It was wrong to lie to you but I felt I did not want my name public at that stage.
“It was wrong though and I sincerely apologise for my actions.”
“As it happens, events of the past week have changed everything.”
Mr Christensen said he had changed his mind about leaving the Coalition as a result of Malcolm Turnbull’s U-turn on a banking royal commission.
He last night texted Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce to let him know of his change of heart.
ENDS - more at The Australian here.
This from the man himself.