Bernardi to deregister political party
5:19pm Jun 20, 2019
Former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi is deregistering his political party the Australian Conservatives, after being "disappointed" by its performance at the federal election.
Senator Bernardi earlier this week said he was open to the idea of returning to the Liberal party, which he left in February 2017 to begin his own.
"The inescapable conclusion from our lack of political success, our financial position and the re-election of a Morrison-led government is that the rationale for the creation of the Australian Conservatives is no longer valid," he said in a statement today.
Senator Bernardi has hinted he is open to returning to the Liberal party. (AAP)
The South Australian senator left the Liberals in February 2017 to form the Australian Conservatives.
Having been re-elected as a Liberal in 2016 his term still has three years to run.
Senator Bernardi told Sky News on Tuesday he was open to discussing a return to the Liberals with the prime minister but would not be compromising himself.
"I've said no to that because I'm over party politics but I do consider myself to be a traditionalist Liberal," he said.
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"I do think Scott Morrison has claimed a lot of the territory that was very fertile for the Australian Conservatives. He's a man of faith, he's a relentless campaigner.
Senator Corey Bernardi has praised Prime Minister Scott Morrison. (Nine)
"In the last month or so I have been openly thinking and canvassing what my role will be in politics. I still enjoy it; I do like it very much."
"I do want to see this government succeed so I'll think about how best I can do that.
''While the Senate count has not been finalised, it appears the Liberal-National coalition will need four crossbenchers, Labor or the Greens to get any bills through the upper house.
If Senator Bernardi was to re-join the Liberals this would be reduced to only three crossbench votes.
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