The Palmer United Party has lost another member, after Glenn Lazarus walks out, citing his “different view of teamwork.”
Queensland senator Glenn Lazarus has parted ways with the Palmer United Party (PUP) following the sacking of his wife from the party.
PUP national director Peter Burke said he terminated the employment of Tess Lazarus yesterday because “she failed to comply with the terms of her employment”.
The statement did not elaborate on what those terms were.
Senator Lazarus issued a statement at midnight (AEST) saying he had a different view of teamwork to the party’s leader Clive Palmer.
“I have today resigned from the Palmer United Party. This was a difficult decision,” the statement read.
“I have a different view of team work. Given this, I felt it best that I resign from the party and pursue my Senate role as an independent senator.”
Related content: Jacqui Lambie has left the Palmer United Party.
He said he was deeply grateful to the mining magnate for the opportunity to be involved in the party.
“I sincerely wish Clive and his family all the very best for the future,” Senator Lazarus said.
Mr Burke said in a statement it was “disappointing for the thousands of members of the Palmer United Party that individuals have put their personal interests ahead of party priorities and what can be achieved for Australia”.
He said the reason for Senator Lazarus’s resignation was “self-evident”.
Related content: A brief history of Clive Palmer’s interview storm-outs.
“I note from his statement his reasons were not related to political matters or to the duty he had to promote the party policy and to support its platform, its membership and the thousands of Queenslanders who trusted him to stay strong to these values having elected him to the Senate,” Mr Burke said.
This article was originally published by the ABC and has been republished here with full permission.