Fed: Democrats can refuse to accept nominee for leader

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Fed: Democrats can refuse to accept nominee for leader

Members of the Australian Democrats can refuse to accept BRIAN GREIG as the party'sleader even if he remains the only nominee to contest the role.

With only hours before the close of nominations for Democrats leader, Senator GREIGis the only person in the running, after former deputy ADEN RIDGEWAY pulled out of therace, citing a campaign of vilification and abuse against his family.

Democrats National Executive member DEBBIE BUTLER today told ABC radio the party'smembership wouldn't necessarily accept the one and only nominee as the leader.

If the party's membership refuses to accept that Senator GREIG, the process to finda successor for NATASHA STOTT DESPOJA would begin again.

AAP RTV sm/rk

KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS BUTLER (CANBERRA)