Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon to quit politics, taking parting swipe at ‘idealist’ progressives

MP for Hunter, who is at odds with his party on climate policy, says he believes the ALP will win the next election if it remains pragmatic'

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Outspoken Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon has confirmed he will quit politics at the next election, while taking a parting swipe at idealist" progressives for keeping Labor in opposition for all but six of the past 25 years.

The veteran MP for the seat of Hunter, who colleagues expected would depart the seat before the next election, has declared he believes Labor will win the next election under Anthony Albanese - as long as it remains pragmatic".