Jacqui Lambie has resigned from the Australian Senate

Speaking to Tasmania Talks this morning, Senator Lambie said she received confirmation from the Scottish government this morning that she was a dual citizen by descent.

Ms Lambie said she would look to contest for a position in the next federal election but ruled out contesting the next state election.

The independent senator was emotional as she took to the airwaves to inform constituents about her decision.

“They deserve to know before anyone else does,” she said.

The independent senator will resign from the Australian Senate at the start of the day’s sitting.

She ruled out personally contesting the Tasmanian state election but said she would stand and support her Jacqui Lambie Network candidates. 

Senator Lambie said everything was “back on the game board”, and she vowed to watch the situation of Braddon MHR Justine Keay.  

“I’ll have a good look if Justine Keay goes down,” she said.

 “It might be an option if she goes down to have a run in Braddon.”

Senator Lambie said she would renounce her citizenship and aim to return to the political arena. 

“Boots back on, let’s go,” she said. 

Since taking her seat in the Senate in 2013 as a member of the Palmer United Party, Senator Lambie has promoted herself as a working-class politician.

Tearing up as she revealed her resignation, Senator Lambie said more politicians would fall victim to Section 44 of the Constitution of Australia. 

“You should not change the constitution because some of us have gone down,” she said.

Tasmanian Liberal senator Eric Abetz has thanked Senator Lambie for her service to the parliament.

“Jacqui Lambie’s passion for Tasmania has certainly brought some interesting flair to the Senate during her term as a senator,” he said. 

“While Ms Lambie’s resignation from the Senate will be disappointing, particularly for her supporters, she has acted with integrity and a fundamental respect for the Tasmanian people by resigning for which she should be commended.”

Senator Abetz also used Senator Lambie’s resignation to call on Braddon MHR Justine Keay to end speculation about her future.

"It is a real shame that Justine Keay continues to engage in such a great deception of the people of Braddon by refusing to either resign or have herself referred to the High Court to draw an end to the valid questions hanging over her particularly in light of Mr Parry and Ms Lambie’s honourable actions,” he said.

“I wish Ms Lambie well for the future.”

Read more: Mayor best placed for Senate if Lambie goes

Senator Lambie’s colleague, Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam, was saddened by her resignation.

“She has been a vocal advocate for our state, particularly for the North-West Coast,” he said. 

“I have enjoyed working with her on a number of projects for the good of our community and look forward to working with her into the future, whatever capacity that is in.”