‘Never heard of him’: Senator Burston denies One Nation defection… Shooters Director says he’s lying
One Nation Senator Brian Burston has strongly denied claims he tried to defect to the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
In a tearful interview with Ben Fordham yesterday, Senator Pauline Hanson accused Burston of “stabbing me in the back” and attempting to switch parties.
Shooters MP Robert Borsak backed up the claim, telling Macquarie Radio’s Luke Grant he’d turned down Senator Burston’s request to join their party.
Senator Burston categorically denies the allegations in an interview with Ray Hadley.
Ray Hadley: “Have you had contact with this state director of the party?”
Senator Burston: “No. Never heard of him, never met him, never spoken to him on the phone.”
Ray Hadley: “I’m not talking about Borsak, I’m talking about Filip Despotoski.”
Senator Burston: “Yes, I understand who you’re talking about. I’ve never met the guy.”
The One Nation crossbencher also rubbished claims he blindsided Ms Hanson with his continued support for the government’s company tax cuts.
“I’m very surprised with the reaction of Pauline… we’ve come up with a deal, I have every right to stick to that deal.
“It’s my right to cross the floor if I so desire and it’s always been a principle of One Nation that we can do that.”
Click PLAY below for the full interview with Senator Brian Burston
Cue Filip Despotoski, who phoned The Ray Hadley Morning Show insisting Senator Burston’s denial is “absolutely false”, revealing they met years ago at the Australian Electoral Commission.
Mr Despotoski says an intermediary contacted him a few weeks ago, mentioning a federal NSW Senator was interested in joining their party.
Yesterday, the intermediary revealed the name of the senator planning to defect.
“He mentioned it’s Brian Burston. I laughed. I said, look let me get back to you,” Mr Despotoski says.
The Shooters Party State Director says he consulted with his colleagues and Senator Burston’s request was rejected.
Click PLAY below for the full interview with Filip Despotoski