An independent MP will now represent Stafford residents, after Jimmy Sullivan was expelled, following months of internal tension and allegations stemming from a reported domestic incident at his Kedron home.
The incident, which took place in late October 2024, led to police attending the residence. No charges were laid. In the months that followed, Sullivan took four months’ leave from office. He later returned under what was described as a “safe return-to-work plan,” which reportedly included conditions such as providing health updates and commitments around workplace conduct.
A Local MP Under Pressure
Mr Sullivan, who has represented Stafford since 2020, was formally removed from the Labor caucus during an extraordinary party meeting held on Monday, 12 May 2025. The vote, initiated by Opposition Leader Steven Miles and supported by Deputy Leader Cameron Dick, was passed unanimously, with only Mr Sullivan objecting.
According to party leaders, Mr Sullivan failed to follow through with conditions attached to his return from extended leave. These conditions, aimed at managing his personal and health circumstances, were said to include regular updates to party leadership—a requirement Mr Miles claims was not met. Mr Sullivan, however, has strongly denied these claims, saying he fulfilled every obligation and communicated consistently with the leadership team.
Later that evening, the party’s administrative committee confirmed Mr Sullivan’s full expulsion from Labor, removing his endorsement as a party member.
Mixed Reactions in Parliament
Mr Sullivan has described his removal as a politically motivated decision and said it was deeply hurtful. In a public statement, he reaffirmed his loyalty to Labor’s values, noting that he had dedicated his career to supporting the party at various levels, including as a campaign director and staffer.
He also said he would continue to represent his local branch members and constituents, despite being removed from the party. As of now, Mr Sullivan remains the elected MP for Stafford and will sit on the crossbench as an independent, unless he chooses to resign.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie called for Mr Sullivan to step down entirely from parliament, suggesting a by-election should be held to allow the people of Stafford to choose a new representative. He also questioned why Labor had not acted sooner, given the issues had been raised publicly weeks earlier.
Community Focus and Moving Forward
While the domestic incident at the centre of this controversy did not result in formal charges, the political fallout has left many Stafford residents watching closely. Community concerns around representation, transparency and political accountability are now at the forefront.
Mr Sullivan has kept a low public profile since the October incident, and reports from multiple sources also pointed to concerns about his wellbeing and relationship with alcohol, though he has not publicly addressed those claims in detail.
Published 12-May-2025
