The Liberal Party’s internal divisions over net zero emissions by 2050 have deepened, with senior figures publicly taking sides ahead of a crucial party room showdown.

Liberal Senator Andrew McLachlan made a striking move on Wednesday, crossing the senate floor to support a private member’s bill calling for more climate action.

The bill, submitted by independent Senator David Pocock would have required development projects to consider their future environmental impacts.

While it was swiftly defeated, Mr McLachlan’s public support highlighted the ongoing rift within the Coalition over climate policy.

“I rise to speak to the Climate Change Amendment duty of care and intergenerational equity bill,” Mr McLachlan said on Wednesday.

“I do so in my own singular capacity as a Senator and I do

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