Former Labor leader runs for One Nation
Pauline Hanson insists Mark Latham is no political opportunist after the former Labor leader and Liberal Democrat campaigner announced his candidacy for One Nation in the NSW election.
The One Nation leader dismissed questions as to whether Latham’s past political promiscuity had tarnished his integrity, hours after he confirmed he would run for the NSW upper house in the March state election.
‘‘If anyone thinks he’s an opportunist, think twice about that,’’ Hanson said.
Latham said he had learnt from his chequered past, referring to his controversial run-ins with a taxi driver and then a photographer.
‘‘I’m not saying I’m perfect but I would say that over time one learns how to do things better, that’s a natural part of life,’’ Latham said. ‘‘I’ve got a calm resolve to do the best I can with Pauline’s support.’’
His former Labor colleague Chris Bowen said it was unlikely Latham would be able to maintain a working relationship with Hanson through to the March election. ‘‘They have fallen out with everybody they ever worked with, how long do you give this marriage? Not very long, I suggest,’’ Bowen said. –