Former Liberal vice-president Teena McQueen dies from illness weeks after defecting to One Nation

<p>The former Liberal heavyweight Teena McQueen is being remembered for her contribution to the party despite her defection to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/one-nation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">One Nation</a>.</p>

<p>McQueen, who served as the federal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/liberal-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Liberal party</a> vice-president from 2017 to 2023, died on Wednesday after battling severe sickness.</p>

<p>She was a long-serving member of the Liberal party before defecting to One Nation in May.</p>

<p>Known for conservative commentary, she regularly appeared on Sky News and spent time with Gina Rinehart at US president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.</p>

<p>The former prime minister and current Liberal president Tony Abbott said he had lost a good friend.</p>

<p>“She sometimes put loyalty ahead of judgment but it was typical of Teena’s large and generous spirit that she would confide in others her plans and then take guidance on their merits,” he said on social media.</p>

<p>“In recent weeks, her frustrations with the party became public but it was always the cause of better government for Australia that motivated her.”</p>

<p>Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart, said McQueen would be missed.</p>

<p>“Teena cared deeply about our country, its future, and the values that make Australia,” Rinehart said.</p>