Flipping out: ACT Liberal leader apologises for giving journalist middle finger on eve of election

Elizabeth Lee gave one-fingered salute to reporter after leaders' debate with chief minister Andrew Barr

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The ACT Liberal leader, Elizabeth Lee, has apologised for raising her middle finger at a journalist after a heated news conference days out from the territory election, explaining it as a moment of frustration" on the campaign trail.

The moment, captured by cameras at the news conference as the opposition leader walked off, was branded extraordinary" by the deputy prime minister, Richard Marles. The Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan joked he wouldn't advise" other politicians follow suit.

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