Senior Brethren had 'brief' meeting with far-right figures during election

Key points

• The spiritual leader of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has denied coordinating a pro-Liberal campaign in the 2025 federal election. Bruce Hales told a parliamentary committee he did not direct, fund or coordinate such activities.
• His son, Gareth Hales, admitted meeting far-right figures accused of intimidating MPs, describing the meetings as brief. Several politicians have alleged church members intimidated rival candidates and campaigners.
• Coalition members described the questioning as a witch hunt.