Cleared councillor slams LNP
A Brisbane councillor is calling for the resignation of LNP members after being cleared by the state’s corruption watchdog.
Brisbane City councillor Kate Richards was referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) in December, leading the LNP to dump her as a candidate for the Pullenvale Ward.
He lawyer says the CCC has now advised “there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate any allegations” against Ms Richards or to “proceed with criminal offences against any person”.
The councillor wants those responsible to be booted from the party.
“I'm seeking an immediate apology and resignation from key LNP members, who have actually defamed me, they have lied, they have threatened and they have blackmailed me,” she said.
“The LNP need to apologise to my family.
“Their so-called powerbrokers have broken the constitution of the LNP and bring shame on democracy.
“I call on the Lord Mayor to personally respond to the disgrace these thugs of the LNP have done to me, my family, and my right to stand as an LNP councillor … which has now been taken away from me.
“As everyone in the team knows, I was innocent from the beginning and they now need to state so.”
The lawyer Mr O'Gorman describes himself as a civil libertarian who was previously opposed to law changes making it a criminal offence to make politically-inspired complaints to the CCC.
“But, having regard to the significant career and personal damage done to Councillor Richards by the LNP's behaviour, I now consider publicising making a complaint to the CCC about politicians in the lead-up to an election should be a criminal offence,” Mr O'Gorman said.
Ms Richards is now running as an independent.