Liberal MP could run as Vic independent

Federal Liberal MP Julia Banks could be gearing up for a run as an independent despite announcing in August she would not be contesting the next election.

Outgoing Victorian Liberal MP Julia Banks is keeping her "options open" for a potential run as an independent at the next federal election.

Ms Banks announced in August she would not be running in her seat of Chisholm after calling out "bullying and intimidation" during the successful push to topple former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull in August.

But in a letter to Chisholm residents, Ms Banks said while she won't be contesting the election as a "member of the Liberal Party" it wasn't a "farewell letter. Far from it".

"It is my honour and privilege to be your elected member of the House of Representatives in the federal parliament and I maintain my commitment to be your voice in parliament," she wrote.

Ms Banks issued a statement to Fairfax Media after being questioned about her letter.

"My focus is on my constituents and always has been, and I always keep my options open," she said.


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Source: AAP


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Liberal MP could run as Vic independent | SBS News