Dutton’s party makes wild move against Teal’s mum

Independent Member for Calare Andrew Gee took to social media after his mum, in her 80s, received an email stating she had been expelled from the party’s NSW division.

Mr Gee has won the seat, which includes Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee, three times for the Nationals since 2016, however, became an Independent in 2023 and is recontesting the seat against his former party.

In the email, NSW Liberal State Director Chris Stone wrote the expulsion was “effective immediately” and attached a photograph of Ms Gee at the polling booth.

“I have been made aware of your public support and assistance of the Independent candidate for the House of Representatives Electoral Division of Calare, Andrew Gee, against the endorsed candidate of the Nationals – NSW, the Division’s Coalition partner,” he said in the email.

“The effect of this expulsion is that you are no longer a Member of the Division.”

The email stated Ms Gee’s “conduct” was likely to cause “damage” and “embarrassment” to the party as well as “reduce” the division’s success at the federal election.

Mr Gee posted the email to his Facebook page.

“Today my Mum was expelled from the Liberal Party for helping me out on a polling booth in Orange,” Mr Gee said.

“They sent her a letter after somebody took a photo and sent it in to them.

“They have a general election tomorrow, and they have time to send my Mum (who is in her eighties) an expulsion letter?

“Wow. You can’t make it up!”

Many of Mr Gee’s supporters were up in arms over the move.

“Expelling an elderly woman for simply supporting her son at a polling booth? Honestly, that’s beyond petty,” one wrote.

Another wrote: “How petty of the person who took the photo and made the complaint. Cringe.”

Mr Gee is running up against Sam Farraway, who is now the national candidate. In 2022, Mr Gee won the seat for the Nationals with a 9.7 per cent margin.

The NSW Liberals declined to comment on the matter.