Senator Jacqui Lambie's chief of staff has been expelled from the Palmer United Party as a rift widens between the Tasmanian senator and her leader. PUP leader Clive Palmer put out a statement saying that Senator Lambie had not resigned from the party, but criticised some of her recent statements. "Senator hasn't resigned, we haven't received a resignation by mail, email or courier pigeon," he said. "I am aware that she has made some comments in the media and I think these threats are contrary to what Senator Lambie should really be concentrating on, which is her duty to represent the Tasmanians who elected her." "However, if what she says about her being unhappy with her party's leadership is true, she should make a challenge, otherwise get on with the job of representing the people who voted for her." He also criticised Senator Lambie's chief of staff, Rob Messenger. "Everything Senator Lambie says is really coming from her chief of staff," Mr Palmer said. "Senator Lambie is simply Rob Messenger's mouthpiece." Mr Palmer said Mr Messenger had been expelled from the party last night for making false and misleading statements about PUP senators. When contacted by The Examiner, Mr Messenger - a former Queensland MP - said he had not heard the news of his expulsion.
Senator Jacqui Lambie's chief of staff has been expelled from the Palmer United Party as a rift widens between the Tasmanian senator and her leader.
PUP leader Clive Palmer put out a statement saying that Senator Lambie had not resigned from the party, but criticised some of her recent statements.
"Senator hasn't resigned, we haven't received a resignation by mail, email or courier pigeon," he said.
"I am aware that she has made some comments in the media and I think these threats are contrary to what Senator Lambie should really be concentrating on, which is her duty to represent the Tasmanians who elected her."
"However, if what she says about her being unhappy with her party's leadership is true, she should make a challenge, otherwise get on with the job of representing the people who voted for her."
He also criticised Senator Lambie's chief of staff, Rob Messenger.
"Everything Senator Lambie says is really coming from her chief of staff," Mr Palmer said.
"Senator Lambie is simply Rob Messenger's mouthpiece."
Mr Palmer said Mr Messenger had been expelled from the party last night for making false and misleading statements about PUP senators.
When contacted by The Examiner, Mr Messenger - a former Queensland MP - said he had not heard the news of his expulsion.
