Liberal backbencher Alexander resigns after raising citizenship concerns
A Federal Government backbencher John Alexander has resigned from Parliament, as Canberra’s dual-citizenship crisis deepens.
In the biggest blow yet to the Coalition, the former tennis champion has conceded he is “most likely” a dual-British citizen by descent, because his father was born in the UK, making him ineligible to sit in Parliament.
“I have always believed that I am Australian and solely Australian,” Mr Alexander said at a press conference yesterday.
“In view of recent events and the High Court decision, in my position, I have had to thoroughly examine my situation. “Given what I have learned about the Constitution and understanding now of the High Court decision just a couple of weeks ago, I can no longer, with sufficient certainty, maintain the belief that I have held through my 66 years.
“Therefore, it is my obligation that I must resign. That’s what I will do.”
He is the second Lower House Coalition MP to resign over citizenship concerns but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has ruled out a general election, and insists the Coalition is “absolutely providing stable Government”. Mr Alexander said he spoke to Mr Turnbull late on Friday and told him he intended to stand down.
“He encouraged me to be decisive, to act expeditiously, and to put things beyond any question of doubt and that’s what I think the people of Bennelong want,” he said.
“Australia is tired of this absurd situation.”
He now intends to renounce any links to Britain he may have and re-contest his Sydney seat of Bennelong in a by-election.