Committee rules Blain MLA Mark Turner will keep Territory Labor Party membership despite ‘disappointing’ conduct

Government backbencher Mark Turner will hold on to his Territory Labor party membership — and therefore remain part of the government — despite “disappointing” conduct, the party’s leadership team has ruled.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner last month said he had asked the party to review Mr Turner’s membership in light of what he said was “dishonesty” from the MLA about the extent of an extra-marital affair.

It came after Labor’s parliamentary team expelled Mr Turner from the caucus, as the opposition heaped pressure on the government over a scandal which also saw the resignation of a senior Labor staffer.

After what Labor’s administrative committee said was its first meeting since the scandal broke, it issued a statement on Monday night saying Mr Turner would receive only a warning.

“The Member for Blain’s conduct has been disappointing,” the statement read.

“Based on his actions he will be warned that behaviour like this in the future will not be tolerated, noting serious sanctions already imposed by the parliamentary wing.

“Should further information come to light about the Member for Blain’s conduct the Administrative Committee of the party may consider further action which may result in expulsion.

“No further comment will be provided.”

The decision means Mr Turner remains a member of the Labor Government, which holds 14 seats in the 25-seat assembly.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro had demanded Mr Gunner call on Mr Turner to resign from parliament altogether.

Labor supported the Country Liberals’ motion to refer Mr Turner to the privileges committee to consider whether he misled parliament about having Mr Gunner’s support for a statement he made regarding the affair.

Mr Turner was contacted by the ABC but declined to comment.