forged a new career <\/a>advising Israel\u2019s Deputy Foreign Minister before turning his attention to Westminster, where he has been advising UK Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch. <\/p>\nNot a bad second act for a bloke whose political career in Melbourne came to a crashing end in 2022.<\/p>\n
Smith quit politics following a drink drive in which he crashed his Jaguar into a Hawthorn fence after having \u201ctoo many\u201d wines and recording a BAC of .131. <\/p>\n
From Spring Street to Westminster, Smith\u2019s post-Parliamentary CV is certainly proving more international than the average former MP\u2019s. <\/p>\n
A suburban fence in Hawthorn and a good chunk of the Victorian Liberal Party may once have had other ideas about his political future. <\/p>\n
But from the other side of the world, Smith appears to be having the last laugh.<\/p>\n
Melbourne\u2019s loss, it seems, has been England\u2019s gain.<\/p>\n
As for a return to Victorian politics, which has long been rumoured for Smith, Baz is told that\u2019s a firm no.<\/p>\n
Brewing headache for one MP hopeful<\/p>\n
Nothing like a scorned ex with a webcam and an axe to grind to liven up the dirt files of Spring Street\u2019s political operatives ahead of an election. <\/p>\n
Baz hears whispers of a brewing headache for one MP hopeful, after a person claiming to be their former partner began dropping a series of YouTube videos and Facebook posts attacking the candidate. <\/p>\n
The tirades have been dismissed as nothing more than the nasty tricks of a jilted lover with a grievance, a grudge, and, by her own admission, a lengthy battle against substance addiction. <\/p>\n
The claims range from the garden-variety alleged infidelity to more pointed critiques of their ex\u2019s politics.<\/p>\n
In one post, the person claimed their ex had become \u201cbroader, more absolute and increasingly conspiratorial\u201d since the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing this was relevant given their political ambitions. <\/p>\n
The woman also disclosed a history of drug use and multiple hospitalisations relating to mental health crises.<\/p>\n
Baz is told the allegations are nothing more than a fabricated hit job.<\/p>\n
But in the lead up to an election, that\u2019s all some political opponents need.<\/p>\n
Guess who<\/p>\n
Which barristers are being lined up to be hired as counsel assisting the royal commission into corruption on government worksites?<\/p>\n
Overheard<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was grift, there was thuggery, there was misogyny, and there was violence on taxpayer-funded construction sites.\u201d Premier Ben Carroll on why a royal commission into Big Build corruption is needed.<\/p>\n
Got any scuttlebutt for Baz? Email backroombaz@news.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Victoria\u2019s newest royal commissioner has arrived with all the judicial gravitas you would expect from a former 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