Craig Kelly from the United Australia Party is set to join One Nation Party with Pauline Hanson
Recruiting Craig Kelly as state director could enhance One Nation’s prospects of winning seats in NSW, but it may also result in the party losing its only MP in the process.
Formerly led by Mark Latham, One Nation’s New South Wales division has appointed Craig Kelly to the role of state director. Kelly, who previously served as a federal MP and later joined the United Australia Party (UAP), is seen by party leaders Pauline Hanson and James Ashby as capable of spearheading a successful campaign for more seats in Macquarie Street at the next state election in 2027.
However, Kelly’s appointment might lead to the resignation of Tania Mihailuk, the party’s lone remaining NSW MP and state leader. Mihailuk is reportedly concerned that Kelly could overshadow her by running for the Legislative Council in 2027.
If Kelly is appointed, Mihailuk has threatened to announce her resignation from One Nation on March 12, the first available sitting day.
Despite potential gains, Mihailuk’s departure would not only diminish the party’s political visibility for the next three years but also create financial challenges, such as losing electoral funding and possibly jeopardizing Kelly’s substantial salary of $200,000 per year.
One Nation has already announced the closure of its Cessnock head office due to funding losses following the departure of Mark Latham and Rod Roberts.
In his new role, Kelly will oversee candidate selection, fundraising, and public engagements. He plans to focus on issues like immigration, cost of living, defense spending, and tax cuts.
With a strategy to field candidates nationwide, One Nation aims to leverage Kelly’s social media influence for electoral success. His stance against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and advocacy for national interests have garnered praise from party leader Pauline Hanson.
