Former UK Conservative MP Tom Hunt Advises One Nation in Australian Byelection Campaign
Tom Hunt, a former Conservative Member of Parliament for Ipswich in the United Kingdom, has been recruited by Pauline Hanson's right-wing One Nation party to assist with their campaign for the upcoming Farrer byelection in Australia. Hunt, who served as a Tory MP for five years until 2024 and is now a member of Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK party, has been providing strategic advice on social media for the Australian minor party.
Strategic Role in Australian Politics
According to a spokesperson for One Nation, Hunt has been actively working with the party since February, contributing to both the South Australian state election and the current federal byelection campaign in Farrer. South Australian electoral returns confirm that Hunt has received at least $1,000 for his consultancy services during this period.
At a pub meet-and-greet event in April, David Farley, the One Nation candidate for Farrer, publicly praised Hunt for offering what he described as "real perspective" on political developments in the United Kingdom and Europe. Farley remarked that he found their discussions refreshing and valuable for addressing similar issues facing Australia.
Political Analysis and Commentary
In a November 2025 article for the Spectator, Hunt shared his observations after meeting various figures across Australia's political right. He suggested that based on the people he encountered and the general political mood, Australia's Coalition government appeared to be heading toward a fate similar to that of the UK Conservative party, which has seen its support plummet below 20% in recent polls.
Hunt expanded on this analysis in a subsequent Spectator article in February, writing: "My strong sense is that despite an electoral system that often seems to operate as a protection racket for the uniparty, the future of the Liberal party is as imperilled as that of the UK Conservative party."
Parallel Political Movements
The collaboration between Hunt and One Nation highlights the growing connections between right-wing populist movements across the English-speaking world. Reform UK's platform shares significant similarities with One Nation's agenda, particularly in areas such as reducing immigration levels and opposing renewable energy targets and projects.
In the United Kingdom, the surge in support for Farage's Reform party has led to at least 18 current or former parliamentarians defecting from the Conservatives. Similarly, in Australia, One Nation's rising popularity since the May federal election has created divisions within the Coalition, forcing strategic decisions about whether to adopt more hardline positions or maintain a broader centrist approach.
Byelection Significance and Polling Data
The Farrer byelection scheduled for 9 May represents the first federal electoral test for One Nation since their recent surge in support. A March poll conducted by UComm for the Australia Institute revealed that 28.7% of respondents in Farrer indicated they would vote for One Nation first, followed by 23.3% for independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe. The Liberal candidate, Raissa Butkowski, trailed with 19.1% support.
This poll was conducted before the campaign intensified and included Labor as an option, though the party later decided not to field a candidate. If successful, a victory for Farley would provide One Nation with a second lower house representative in federal parliament, bringing their total parliamentary presence to six members.
Broader Political Implications
The recruitment of international political consultants like Hunt underscores the increasingly global nature of right-wing populist movements. Barnaby Joyce's switch from the Nationals to One Nation in December last year provided early evidence of how political realignments in Australia might mirror developments in the United Kingdom.
Reform UK has confirmed Hunt's membership in their party while clarifying that he "does not represent or speak for the party in any official capacity." This distinction highlights the informal yet significant nature of cross-border political cooperation emerging between like-minded parties across different political systems.
