Horne officially declines appointment: Former People’s National Party Treasurer, Norman Horne has declined to take up his Opposition Senatorial appointment.
Horne officially declared his intentions in a letter to the Governor General yesterday.
This follows weeks of heightened controversy surrounding his selection.
And now, Horne is making way for Peter Bunting to be sworn in as the 8th Opposition Senator, and as leader of Opposition Business in the Upper House.
In a statement, Horne says that his decision was made after lengthy discussions with family and close friends.
According to Former Member of Parliament Lloyd B. Smith, there’s tremendous disconnect in the party.
Smith is of the view that Horne has been severely damaged by the outcome.
In his statement, Horne says “the renunciation of citizenship can be a lengthy process” one that he did not continue to pursue after indicating that he would give the new leader a free hand to choose.
He admits to being negligent in not delivering his letter of intention to the Governor General at that stage.
To this, Smith joins the call for constitutional reform.
The Party later acknowledged Horne’s statement, paving the way for Bunting’s official appointment.
There’s however, no mention of the money owed to Horne.
