Jul 3, 2026 – 12.00pmJames Ashby hits record, and asks the journalist to introduce herself.She is with Central Queensland’s Morning Bulletin, calling about the guest list for a local pool opening. Pauline Hanson’s agitations got the pool funded, but Ashby, her chief of staff, believes the One Nation leader is not getting due credit. It is the kind of tiff that rarely rises to the notice of a senator, let alone someone with their eyes on The Lodge. After a surge in support this year, Hanson is running for government, with Ashby as her very-busy right-hand-man.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Myriam RobinSenior writerMyriam Robin is a senior writer based in the Melbourne newsroom. She has previously been a Rear Window columnist and editor, and before that reported on financial markets and media.Fetching latest articles
Inside the world of James Ashby, One Nation’s apex power player
In a political party built entirely on one woman’s name, James Ashby ensures he is the only other voice that matters.
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