Lidia Thorpe won’t rule out launching new political party as she doubles down against voice to parliament

Exclusive: Former Greens senator says she will be guided by activists and elders as she pledges to champion the Blak sovereignty movement

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Senator Lidia Thorpe has not ruled out establishing a new political party, describing the Blak sovereignty movement as her new party room" and promising to be guided by activists and elders.

Three days after quitting the Greens citing the need not to be constrained" by party positions, Thorpe told Guardian Australia on Thursday it wasn't so much a constraint, it was more the fact that we needed a Blak sovereign movement in this country" that motivated her to sit as an independent.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup