A prominent councillor has quit the Liberal Party and hinted at joining One Nation after saying her colleagues were embarrassed by conservative values.
It comes after Waverley Councillor Lauren Townsend quit the Liberal Party when colleagues refused to back her push for Australia Day celebrations at Bondi Beach.
Ms Townsend had called for large-scale Australia Day celebrations, costing about $400,000, at the beach, which was rejected.
There was then a smaller proposal to purchase décor of “up to $5,000” and set up “Australia themed markets” for Australia Day—but this was also rejected.
The six-strong Liberal contingent had the majority in the council and still shot down the modest proposal.
Two Liberal councillors, Dov Frazer and Joshua Spicer, supported the motion for Australia Day celebrations, while Ms Townsend was absent for the vote.
Other Liberals, Mayor Will Nemesh, and Councillors Katherine Westwood and Michelle Stephenson did not support the motion.
Ms Townsend told News24 that her decision to quit the Liberal Party was about a “clash of core values”, saying her colleagues were embarrassed by conservative values.
“This wasn’t a dispute over just a budget or an item. What you want to spend money on is what you value. This was a clash of core fundamental values,” she said.
“They just didn’t want to put their hands in their pockets. Which is quite sad because I know other councils happily spend into the six figures (on Australia Day).”
Ms Townsend also accused sections of the Liberal Party of being uncomfortable with conservative views and values.
“Being a conservative in the Liberal Party in 2026 has felt like one needs to sort of keep quiet, not cause offence, and at best you’re tolerated,” she said.
“I think you’re kind of resented by those who in the party that feel our way back to success is chasing the teal vote rather than sticking to our principles.”
Ms Townsend explained that Australia Day was not the only issue where she had felt tension with colleagues, noting the phrase “Merry Christmas” had proved divisive.
“I wanted to have ‘Merry Christmas’ instead of ‘Season’s Greetings’. Again, the argument was the cost, you know, how do you justify spending the money,” she said.
“Although, we are going to have some red and green bunting this year, so that is an improvement.”
In her letter resigning from the Liberal Party, Ms Townsend said the traditional balance between conservative and moderate factions had broken down.
“I feel increasingly as though I cannot openly express conservative views or vote along conservative lines while still being loyal to a party that no longer shares them,” she wrote.
“If this was only a personal betrayal, it could be overcome. But I believe it reveals a fundamental difference of values that cannot be overcome.”
Ms Townsend has indicated she will remain on Waverley Council and serve the remainder of her term, initially as an independent.
But she has also left the door open to joining another political party, saying: “I might find another political home quite soon with people who share though my values.”
Her comments appear to suggest that One Nation could be a potential new political home, although Ms Townsend has not formally announced her intentions.
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