Fed: Stott Despoja puts leadership on line over exiled senator

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Fed: Stott Despoja puts leadership on line over exiled senator

CANBERRA, Aug 8 AAP - The highly-public stoush in the Australian Democrats showedno sign of abating as leader Natasha Stott Despoja threw down the gauntlet to rogue SenatorAndrew Murray.

Senator Stott Despoja challenged Senator Murray to either return to active duty onthe Democrats front bench, or challenge for the leadership.

She said the party could not tolerate Senator Murray serving as a Democrat in exile,and she would not give in to any of his threats or ultimatums.

"If people are not happy with the leadership of the Australian Democrats, and thatincludes Senator Murray, challenge me," Senator Stott Despoja said.

Senator Stott Despoja said she was confident she had the support of her colleaguesand the party membership, which elects the leader.

The Democrats party room yesterday rejected Senator Murray's decision to sit on thebackbench and to take no part in the Democrats party room.

But a defiant Senator Murray said he would not return to the party room until the Democratshad considered his grievances and proposals for reform.

But Senator Murray could face expulsion after a meeting of the Democrats national executivethis weekend, which will discuss his position.

Among his demands, Senator Murray wants the party to endorse a separation of rolesbetween elected senators and the party organisation, the need for more professional staff,and the contribution of senators to party reforms.

In a two page letter sent to Democrats whip Lyn Allison, Senator Murray said he wouldbe happy to discuss his plans with fellow Senators next week.

AAP so/jmd

KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS DAYLEAD