Independent MP Miriam Beswick has announced she will seek preselection to run with the Tasmanian Nationals at the upcoming state election.
The Braddon MP, who was elected under the Jacqui Lambie Network banner at the last state election before being kicked out, said the move comes after a period of reflection with her family.
She said her alignment with the Nationals’ values and policy positions are the key reasons for her decision.
“I don’t take this decision lightly and have taken the time to make sure my policy positions and values align with the Nationals,” she said.
“I love that they’re a party of government, not a party of protest.”
Beswick had provided supply and confidence to the minority Liberal government since the last election.
She was responsible for securing independent reports into the state budget and Macquarie Point stadium proposal.
Beswick said she is confident that the Nationals would be well-received in her electorate of Braddon, pointing to the party’s support for key regional industries.
“Agriculture, small business, salmon farming and mining are vital parts of the north-west and West Coast economies and I will continue to stand up for them,” she said.
Beswick also cited the state’s budget repair needs as a motivating factor in her decision to join the Nationals and reinforced her opposition to the Macquarie Point stadium proposal.
“We simply can’t afford the current proposal. The major parties both know the cost of the project could blow out significantly,” she said.
Andrew Jenner, who ran alongside Beswick at the last state election for the Jacqui Lambie Network, is expected to run with the Nationals in the seat of Lyons, while Rebekah Pentland plans to continue as an independent in Bass.
