Ashby insists calls to Labor were about debates, not votes
James Ashby is Pauline Hanson's chief strategist. He said his calls to Victorian Labor were about debates, not preference deals.
Ashby called Labor's campaign on 24 and 26 October. The calls sparked claims he was seeking a preference deal before Victoria's 28 November election.
Ashby denied this and said he only wanted to know if Labor would join leaders' debates. The debates kept changing dates.
One Nation's Victorian leader Warren Pickering was photographed meeting Labor operative Andrew Landeryou on Thursday morning in Melbourne. Pickering said the meeting was by chance.
Labor sources say they are not discussing preferences with One Nation. The Liberal campaign used the photo to suggest a preference deal between One Nation and Labor could happen.
- 24 and 26 October
- Call dates
- 28 November
- Election date
Why it mattersPreference deals between minor and major parties can shift power in close elections. Voters watch for secret arrangements.
AustraliaVictorians head to polls on 28 November; how parties distribute preferences could determine whether Labor wins a fourth straight term or the Liberals gain power.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 h ago
