WA senator Dorinda Cox abandons Greens for Labor after ‘deep reflection'
West Australian Greens senator Dorinda Cox has announced she is leaving the party to join the Labor Party.
She made the bombshell announcement standing alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Perth on Monday afternoon, saying she looked forward to 'serving as a proud Labor senator'.
Senator Cox said deep reflection led her to the decision and she wanted to build on her existing relationships with 'an already amazing team of Labor MPs' around the country.
'I am very, very grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank the Labor team for welcoming me,' she said.
'I've spoken to the Prime Minister about the work I would like to do in the future.
'I will continue to be focused and committed to the work in my home state of WA, and I look forward to serving as a proud Labor Senator in the 48th Parliament.'
Mr Albanese noted Senator Cox had previously been a Labor Party member and welcomed her back to the fold.
'I must say that Dorinda and I have had more discussions in recent days than we had in previous years, and that's the nature of the Senate and the House of Representatives in Canberra,' he said.
'Senator Cox didn't ask for anything, just asked for this to be considered.
'The National Executive Committee of the Labor Party met yesterday afternoon, and Senator Cox will be admitted to the Labor Party as a member tomorrow to the Western Australian branch.'
Senator Cox said she informed new Greens leader Larissa Waters of her move about half an hour before the press conference.
'I have a good personal relationship with her as the leader of the Greens, and she wished me well on my future prospects,' she said of the 'very good conversation'.
Senator Cox unsuccessfully contested two leadership positions in the Greens' post-election party room meeting in May, putting her hand up for deputy leader and deputy whip.
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