One Nation general manager called candidate 'asshole' amid internal disputes

One Nation's general manager, Kelvin Morton, referred to David Farley as an "asshole" in text messages just days before Farley secured a historic byelection win for the party in Farrer in May. Morton, who was brought in to improve the party's vetting processes, expressed concerns about candidate selection in the messages, which were seen by Guardian Australia.

In the texts, Morton responded to a news article about internal party conflict regarding Farley's past support for the Labor party. He wrote, "We need to do way better with our candidate selection – we need to stop finding these assholes … or letting them find us." He also suggested that Farley's public allegiance to One Nation would make him appear untrustworthy if he were to switch parties after the election.

A spokesperson for One Nation stated that Farley is a "dedicated One Nation MP" and that Morton's comments do not reflect the party's view. The spokesperson added, "The only untrustworthy snake is the person who leaked the text messages."

Reports indicate that tensions between Farley and other One Nation MPs and staff have been high since his election, particularly after he suggested the party's migration policy was similar to the Labor government's.

Morton, who joined One Nation as general manager in February, has reportedly clashed with staff at the party's Brisbane headquarters and officials in active branches. He was recently appointed to the national executive and has intervened in the management of the Lilley branch, citing disputes over promotional materials and a local fundraiser that raised $12,000. Morton advised the branch committee of federal intervention and proposed removing the committee, accusing them of not handing over the funds and demanding their transfer to party headquarters.