Linda Reynolds has announced she will not seek another term as a Senator bringing to an end a turbulent decade in politics where she became embroiled in the Brittany Higgins saga.
After 10 years in the Senate, the West n Senator and former Defence minister announced that she will step down when her term ends in June 2025, and will not seek preselection by the Liberal Party.
‘With nominations for WA Liberal Party Senate preselection closing later this week, I have advised the WA Liberal Party that I will not be nominating as a candidate for another term as a Liberal Senator for Western ,’ she said in a statement.
‘It is rare in politics to have the opportunity to choose the time and circumstances of your departure, and my decision has been made after considerable reflection of what is behind me and the opportunities that are now ahead of me.’
After 10 years in the Senate, the West n Senator and former Defence minister announced that she will step down when her term ends in June 2025, and will not seek preselection by the Liberal Party
Senator Reynolds – who served as Defence and Government Services minister in Scott Morrison’s government – came under the media and political spotlight when young staffer Brittany Higgins claimed she was raped by Bruce Lehrmann in Ms Reynolds’ parliamentary office in March 2021.
Mr Lehrmann has always denied the allegation.
Ms Reynolds has since become embroiled in an ongoing battle with Ms Higgins and her fiancé David Sharaz, suing them for defamation in the Supreme Court of Western over posts they each made on social media.
As part of those proceedings, Ms Reynolds has expressed a desire to freeze Ms Higgins’ assets after the former staffers showed off their new life in the south of France after receiving a $2.4million taxpayer-funded compensation payout.
In her farewell statement, Ms Reynolds said she’s been serving her nation for 40 years – first in the Army, followed by her work as a politician both in Government and opposition.
Ms Reynolds (pictured with Ms Higgins) came under the media and political spotlight when young staffer Brittany Higgins claimed she was raped by Bruce Lehrmann in Ms Reynolds’ parliamentary office in March 2021
She’s vowed to ‘continue to serve, but in new ways’ in her future career after leaving the Senate.
‘My passion and commitment to my State and to my Nation remains as strong as ever,’ she said.
‘I will do all I can to support the election of Peter Dutton as our next Prime Minister and Libby Mettam as WA’s next Premier.’
Ms Reynolds reflected on her different roles over the years, including in defence and working with the NDIS during ‘some of the most challenging times in our nation’s recent history’.
‘Just as the health of our democracy can never be taken for granted, neither can the health of political parties – both must be constantly renewed and strengthened.
‘I joined the Liberal Party over 35 years ago and my respect for, and belief in, the principles and values it was established on have only deepened over time.
‘Having achieved more than I set out to when I entered the Senate, there is no perfect time to leave politics, but this is the right time for me and for the WA Liberal Party to provide my successor with the same opportunities it has given me.’
Ms Reynolds wrote a letter to Ms Higgins’ lawyer Leon Zwier in December, pointing to reports that the couple had bought a home in the small town of Lunas and were planning to permanently relocate
Senator Simon Birmingham, a longtime colleague of Ms Reynolds, issued a statement on Monday afternoon thanking her for her service.
He said: ‘I look forward to continuing to serve alongside Linda for the remainder of her term and extend my deepest gratitude for her service to our country.
‘Linda’s strength, courage and dignity have been remarked upon by many. I have no doubt that in the years ahead Linda will continue to unwaveringly serve her community and our nation.’
The announcement comes just weeks after Daily Mail revealed Ms Reynolds had sought French legal advice on whether France would enforce an n ruling regarding freezing Ms Higgins’ assets.
‘I am considering my position and awaiting advice from French Counsel on my right to enforce an n judgment against assets in France,’ she said.
Ms Reynolds wrote a letter to Ms Higgins’ lawyer Leon Zwier in December, pointing to reports that the couple had bought a home in the small town of Lunas and were planning to permanently relocate.
‘If such reports are true, we consider that an application for freezing orders is appropriate,’ the letter read.