Senator praises work of the ‘preference whisperer’ but refuses to give reasons for firing him

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

The Motoring Enthusiast senator, Ricky Muir, has sacked his chief of staff just weeks after being sworn into parliament.

Muir confirmed he fired Glenn Druery on Thursday night but did not say why. The reasons for the sacking were private and between himself and his former employee, Muir said.

Druery, known as the “preference whisperer” due to his knack for Senate election deals, helped Muir get elected for Victoria in September 2013 on 0.5% of the primary vote.

Muir acknowledged the contribution Druery had made to his team and the support he had given on a personal level.

It is another hiccup for the new senator. The party’s Victorian branch voted on Wednesday to revoke his membership and no longer recognise him as representing the party in the state.

Muir has faced criticism from fellow party members since he struck an agreement to vote with the Palmer United party and has been under pressure to stand aside.

The Motoring Enthusiast party’s national officer, Keith Littler, said the Melbourne meeting and vote was unauthorised and its decisions did not stand.