Fed: Cherry denies he achieved aimed when Stott Despoja quit

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Fed: Cherry denies he achieved aimed when Stott Despoja quit

Australian Democrats Senator JOHN CHERRY has denied he's achieved his aim with theresignation of Senator NATASHA STOTT DESPOJA.

Senator CHERRY drafted the 10-point reform package which ultimately proved unacceptableto Senator STOTT DESPOJA and caused her to quit the leadership yesterday.

But he says he's failed to achieve his original aim which was to have a party roomof seven led by Senator STOTT DESPOJA, but pitching a more hard-hitting message.

Senator CHERRY says senators now need to ensure the Democrats re-unite as a party andtalk about the things that unite them.

He says Senator ADEN RIDGEWAY will be the logical new leader.

Senator CHERRY's also sought to clarify he wasn't at lunch yesterday when Senator STOTTDESPOJA resigned, but had been attending a meeting.

He says he wasn't advised Senator STOTT DESPOJA was making a statement in the chamber.

AAP RTV dep/smb/ge

KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS CHERRY (CANBERRA)