Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun recently published an opinion piece in the Daily Telegraph following the federal election. In it, he accused former Liberal leader Peter Dutton of being a “racist bully” and criticised his comments on immigration during the campaign. Mannoun compared Dutton’s rhetoric to “kids in the playground picking on the ‘Wogs’ with their salami and olives.” He claimed that Sydney voters united to “kick out the bully” and that many migrants turned “red” [voted Labor] in response.
In short the Mayor of Liverpool put the boot into Former Leader of the Liberal Party Peter Dutton who is yet to even leave his office.
But some are questioning the timing and sincerity of Mannoun’s criticism. Comments on the Mayor’s Facebook post, where he shared the article, reflect widespread scepticism.
Atif Iqbal commented:
“Too little, too late, Ned. Why write this now when Dutton is politically finished? Where was this article when he was in power? A few weeks ago, you were campaigning for a Dutton government. Shame.”
Mariella D’Amato added:
“Convenient timing, Ned. Funny how this hit piece comes after the election. Where was your bold criticism before the votes were counted? If you had genuine concerns, you should’ve raised them when it actually mattered. Publicly tearing down a fellow Liberal after the fact doesn’t show leadership — it shows poor judgement. If we want to strengthen the party, this isn’t the way to do it.”
Is the Mayor Playing the Victim Card?
Mannoun’s article focused heavily on racism and victimhood, claiming that Dutton’s comments about Lebanese Muslims and immigration were divisive and offensive. However, critics argue that the Mayor’s claims don’t hold up to scrutiny.
For one, Mannoun himself immigrated to Australia from the United States when he was ten years old. He grew up with the privilege of living and studying in both the US and Australia. Despite dropping out of high school in Year 10, he’s enjoyed a successful political career, thanks in part to his 20-year membership in the Liberal Party.
So why, after benefiting from the party for so long, is he now publicly attacking its former leader? Especially since Peter Dutton came calling on the Mayor of Liverpool for advice about how to win community support in Western and South Western Sydney. Is this an attempt by the Mayor of Liverpool to cover up his part in the failed election campaign? Critics suggest it’s less about principle and more about political opportunism.
A Liberal in Name Only?
Many are asking whether the Mayor of Liverpool is truly committed to the Liberal Party. Some have labelled him a LINO — Liberal in Name Only — accusing him of using the party as a vehicle for his own ambitions. His decision to criticise Dutton after the election loss has left a bitter taste for many party members and supporters.
There have been comments raised that other members of the Liberal Party have been suspended or even kicked out of the party for less.
The Mayor’s claim that “most of us turned red” is also being challenged. Voting patterns in areas like Werriwa and across South Western Sydney were consistent with the 2022 election. The Liberal Party’s losses were more significant in other parts of Sydney and Australia.
Sydney: More Than a Building Site
Mannoun’s description of Sydney as a “big building site” united by migrant workers has also drawn criticism. While it’s true that Sydney is a multicultural city, it’s much more than a collection of construction sites. Sydney is a cosmopolitan hub where people from diverse backgrounds live, work, and thrive together, adopting the Australian way of life.
However, constantly playing the “racist” and “victim” cards, as Mannoun has done, risks undermining this unity. It’s a divisive approach that doesn’t help foster the inclusivity and progress he claims to champion.
What’s Next for Ned?
With the Liberals facing the prospect of being out of government at both federal and state levels for years to come, could Mannoun’s political ambitions be put on hold? His recent comments have certainly raised serious questions about his loyalty to the party and his leadership style.
It’s one thing to criticise a leader’s policies or behaviour, but doing so after their defeat — when it no longer carries any political risk — comes across as opportunistic. If Mannoun truly wanted to make a difference, he should have spoken out when it mattered most and that was before the election, during the actual election campaign.
These issues will now undoubtedly be raised in the Party room once the Liberal Party get together for a post mortum of the Election results.
