Philip Ruddock, a long-serving member of the Liberal Party with extensive experience in federal parliament and local government, has recently caused controversy by appearing in a video with Tina Brown, a candidate challenging a current Liberal MP in Berowra, Ruddock’s former seat. The video showcases their opposition to proposed new rules on tree protections in their local council area. This move has been viewed as a betrayal by some members of the Liberal Party in the upper north shore, where Ruddock resides. Despite this backlash, Ruddock’s endorsement of Brown could be beneficial for her campaign, particularly in a blue ribbon seat like Berowra.
Ruddock’s strained relationship with local Liberals has been exacerbated by his defeat in a preselection contest for mayor of the Hornsby Shire Council last year. As a result of his loss, Ruddock’s wife, Heather, resigned from the party and openly supports Brown’s campaign. Despite these tensions, Ruddock maintains that he is still a member of the Liberal Party and is not officially working for Brown or her campaign. His support for Brown stems from his dedication to preserving trees in Hornsby, a cause that is deeply personal to him due to his father’s involvement in implementing tree preservation orders in the area. By aligning himself with Brown, Ruddock is further distancing himself from the more traditional elements within the Liberal Party.
The video featuring Ruddock and Brown was filmed in the Ruddock front yard, underscoring his commitment to their shared cause of protecting trees in the community. This gesture may have been intended to signal support for Brown’s campaign and highlight their common interests despite any opposition from within the Liberal Party. By publicly endorsing a candidate challenging a sitting Liberal MP, Ruddock is taking a bold stance that goes against the party’s established hierarchy, further alienating him from the party’s leadership and traditional values. Despite this, Ruddock remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for tree preservation in Hornsby.
The deteriorating relationship between Ruddock and local Liberals reflects broader divisions within the party over issues such as environmental protection and development, as evidenced by his defeat in the mayoral preselection contest. Ruddock’s alignment with Brown, a candidate associated with Climate 200, signals a shift towards more progressive values within the traditionally conservative Liberal Party. By publicly supporting a candidate challenging a fellow Liberal MP, Ruddock is shifting the dynamics within the party and drawing attention to his commitment to environmental causes. This move has garnered both praise and criticism from within the party, highlighting the ongoing tensions between different factions and ideologies.
Ruddock’s involvement in Brown’s campaign highlights the complexities of intra-party dynamics and the evolving nature of political allegiances within the Liberal Party. His decision to support a candidate challenging a sitting MP reflects his commitment to environmental causes and his willingness to challenge the status quo within the party. Despite facing backlash from some members of the Liberal Party, Ruddock remains resolute in his support for tree preservation in Hornsby and his belief in the importance of advocating for these issues. Moving forward, Ruddock’s alignment with Brown and his public endorsement of her campaign could signal a broader shift towards more progressive values within the Liberal Party, challenging the traditional conservative stance of the party.
