Former Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes is set to host One Nation leader Pauline Hanson at her pub in Rydal, New South Wales, this weekend. The event has ignited speculation about Hughes' political allegiances, particularly given her recent departure from the Liberal Party and Hanson's continued appeal to conservative voters.
Hughes, who previously represented NSW in the Senate before losing preselection for the 2025 election, announced her immediate resignation from the Liberal Party in November 2025. At the time, she cited deep dissatisfaction with internal party divisions, policy disarray, and what she described as "games" that had rendered the Coalition ineffective. She also accused unnamed colleagues of undermining then-Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, with specific mentions of senators Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Sarah Henderson.
The former senator now owns and operates the Hotel Alexander in Rydal, affectionately known as "The Rydal Pub," a venture far removed from her parliamentary career. Her decision to host Hanson at her establishment has prompted inquiries from the media regarding her future political affiliations.
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Hughes' departure from the Liberal Party was characterized by strong criticism of the party's direction and the conduct of some members. She expressed frustration with "inept" and "lazy" colleagues, stating a desire for the freedom to call out perceived underperformance. Reports from November 2025 also indicated that a significant factor in her resignation was the NSW division's continued support for a net-zero emissions target, even after the federal party had abandoned it.
Her comments at the time suggested a belief that prominent conservatives within the party were orchestrating negative commentary to destabilize Sussan Ley's leadership. The situation points to a continuing fragmentation within the Liberal Party and the search for new political alignments.
