Liberal operative Mark Jones now runs One Nation's candidate vetting
Mark Jones, blocked from the NSW Liberals, now redesigns One Nation's candidate selection process.
Mark Jones was one of three final candidates for NSW Liberal state director in 2023, but his advancement was blocked and he quit the party in January. By February he had joined One Nation as a political consultant.
Internal One Nation documents show Jones redesigned the party's candidate selection and vetting process. He also sat in on candidate interviews.
Susie Douglas, a former Queensland National party executive, is working with Jones. In NSW, Jones and Douglas conduct 20 to 30 minute interviews.
Then they make recommendations to a three-person selection committee. NSW leader Mike Newman heads the committee.
State president Rebecca Thompson and state secretary Sam Donovan also serve on it. The party has received 900 applications for 93 NSW seats.
One Nation has also overhauled its process in Victoria after criticism from members.
- 93
- NSW seats available
- 900
- Candidate applications received
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Interview length
- Mike Newman
- Selection committee leader
Why it mattersJones brings campaign experience and Liberal party knowledge to One Nation. The party wants to expand its candidate base and improve its vetting before the next state election.
AustraliaOne Nation is strengthening its organisational capacity in NSW and Victoria, signalling a serious push to field competitive candidates in upcoming state elections.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
