Hate laws: Nationals senators Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald resign from shadow ministry

Three National Party frontbenchers who split with the Liberals to vote against Labor’s hate crime laws have sensationally resigned from the shadow ministry, putting further pressure on Sussan Ley’s Coalition leadership.

Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald all tendered their resignation notice after brazenly breaching shadow cabinet solidarity by opposing the hate bill in the Senate on Tuesday night — defying Ms Ley’s authority.

It came after Ms Ley had cut a deal with Anthony Albanese to help pass the reforms. The National and Liberal party rooms had met separately on Wednesday to discuss the split vote, while Ms Ley and her leadership team decided on the consequences for their action.

In a statement, Ms Ley said described their decision to step down as “appropriate” and asked Nationals leader David Littleproud to provide “three new nominees for appointment to the Shadow Cabinet”.

“I await his advice,” she said.

“Last night, three Nationals senators were unable to maintain that Shadow Cabinet solidarity. This is an unfortunate circumstance and one that requires action. I thank David for understanding this.

“I have asked each to continue serving in our Coalition team, across their various parliamentary and committee duties, but from outside the Shadow Cabinet.”

Senator McKenzie had openly conceded on Sky News on the Wednesday morning that their decision to oppose reforms could cost her and colleagues their ministries.

The Nationals Senate leader admitted she was “aware” of the rules she was bound by under cabinet solidarity.

“I’m very aware of the conventions of parliament, and I will be doing what I’ve always done, which is trying to do my very best to conduct my career here with integrity,” Senator McKenzie said.

Coalition frontbencher Ross Cadell also accepted on air that he might be sacked after crossing the floor.

The decision to work with Labor has fractured the Coalition, with Mr Littleproud releasing a statement overnight declaring his party would vote against the bill.

In the statement he claimed that the decision wasn’t a reflection of the Coalition’s relationship.

“The Nationals support the intent of the legislation, but we must get it right,” he said.

“The legislation needs amendments to guarantee greater protections against unintended consequences that limit the rights and freedom of speech of everyday Australians and the Jewish community.

“This decision does not reflect on the relationship within the Coalition.”

Mr Littleproud, himself, had abstained from the vote in the House, while other key figures decided to follow suit in the Senate.

It included Liberal recruit Jacinta Price, who opted not to be in the chamber during the vote about 11pm on Tuesday.