Latham back in politics

CONTROVERSIAL f ormer Labor leader Mark Latham has joined the Liberal Democrats, sparking speculation of a return to politics.

Mr Latham, who led Labor from 2003 until 2005, says he wants to play a role in fighting for national values, based on personal freedom and responsibility.

“I support 80- 90 per cent of the Liberal Democrats platform, pretty good for someone with strong views formed over a long period of time,” Mr Latham said on Facebook.

Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm said a potential return to politics was “like getting married a second time – it’s a triumph of hope over experience”.

“( Mark Latham) said, he had already done that – gotten married a second time – and he’s much better at it,” Senator Leyonhjelm said.

“I think there’s a thought in the back of his mind, that he might like to get back into politics but he hasn’t raised that with the party.”

Senator Leyonhjelm acknowledged Mr Latham came with some baggage.

“We’ve got a fair bit in common, but I’ve never broken a taxi driver’s arm, that’s for sure,” he said.

Mr Latham was sacked as a commentator on Sky News Australia in March.

He had been under fire over comments he made onair about the sexuality of a Sydney schoolboy who appeared in a video for International Women’s Day.