James Ashby Denies One Nation-Labor Preference Deal in Victoria 2026

James Ashby, Pauline Hanson's chief strategist, has denied attempting to orchestrate a preference deal between One Nation and Victorian Labor ahead of the state election. The allegations, first reported by Guardian Australia, have sparked debate about backroom negotiations in Australian politics.

Two senior Labor sources claimed Ashby contacted the party's campaign headquarters in recent weeks, including calls to senior leadership on 24 and 26 October. Ashby maintains the calls were solely about leaders' debates, not preferences.

What Happened: Allegations and Denials

According to Guardian Australia, two senior Labor sources said Ashby reached out to Labor's campaign headquarters multiple times. The calls allegedly included discussions with senior leadership on two specific dates in late October.

Ashby, however, told Guardian Australia that his calls were not about preference negotiations. "I wanted to know whether they were participating in the debates. That's all it was," he said. He explained he was trying to understand why debate dates kept changing and who was in or out.

Ashby was blunt about the suggestion he could be seeking a deal with Premier Ben Carroll's campaign. "There's no preference deals. I'm not interested in talking to them about preferences. We want them gone. That's why we put them last," he said.

Why It Matters: Preferences and Political Strategy

Preference deals can significantly influence election outcomes, especially in close contests. Parties often negotiate where they direct their preferences to maximize their chances or to keep rivals out.

One Nation's decision to put Labor last in Victoria is a strong statement of opposition. If Ashby were negotiating a deal, it would contradict that stance and could confuse voters about One Nation's true allegiances.

The timing is critical, with the Victorian election approaching. Any hint of collaboration between One Nation and Labor could alienate conservative voters who support One Nation as an alternative to the major parties.

Who Is Affected: Key Players and Their Interests

James Ashby is a long-time adviser to Pauline Hanson and a controversial figure in Australian politics. His actions are closely scrutinized, and any perceived backroom dealing could damage One Nation's anti-establishment brand.

Victorian Labor, led by Premier Ben Carroll, is focused on retaining government. Engaging with One Nation, even indirectly, risks splitting its progressive base and handing ammunition to opponents.

One Nation's Victorian leader, Warren Pickering, was photographed having coffee with Labor operative Andrew Landeryou in Melbourne's CBD on Thursday. Landeryou, partner of the late Labor senator Kimberly Kitching, is associated with the party's right faction. This meeting adds another layer of intrigue, though its purpose is unclear.

What to Watch Next: Debates, Preferences, and Fallout

The leaders' debates are a key forum for voters to compare candidates. If One Nation is excluded or if debates are cancelled, it could affect the party's visibility and support. The background to this story is set out in One Nation Names Victorian Election Candidates, Bars ABC and. A related thread runs through One Nation Names Victorian Election Candidates, Bans ABC and. Earlier coverage in Socialist Teachers Target Victorian Labor MPs in State Election shows how the argument developed.

Watch for official preference announcements from One Nation and Labor. Any formal deal would be public, but informal understandings can also shape outcomes. A closer look at the same subject appears in Australian Unions Turn on Labor Ahead of Victorian Election. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Muslim Votes Matter Softens Anti-Labor Stance for Victorian Election. The same theme surfaces in One Nation Sleepovers at Gina Rinehart's Mansion Revealed, which takes a different angle.

Also, monitor reactions from other parties, such as the Liberals and Greens, who may use this story to attack both One Nation and Labor. The media will likely continue probing the Ashby-Labor calls and the Pickering-Landeryou meeting. Context on how this played out before sits in One Nation Queensland Deregistration Risk as Inflation Eases. A companion piece, Labor's Immigration Policy Challenge: One Nation Threat, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways

• James Ashby denies any preference deal talks with Victorian Labor, saying calls were about leaders' debates.
• Two Labor sources allege Ashby contacted campaign HQ on 24 and 26 October.
• One Nation has placed Labor last on its preference list, indicating strong opposition.
• Warren Pickering was seen meeting Labor operative Andrew Landeryou, raising questions.
• The timing is sensitive ahead of the Victorian election, with potential impact on voter trust.

Comparing the Claims

FAQ