WARNING: This story contains graphic language that may upset some readers

THE federal election campaign of Sherry Sufi, the controversial Liberal candidate for Fremantle, is on the line.

The Liberal party is reviewing an incident in 2013 in which Mr Sufi was caught mocking his boss, Mt Lawley MLA Michael Sutherland using graphic sexual references.

Mr Sutherland – now Speaker of the WA parliament – confirmed to the Herald Mr Sufi had been pushed from his job because of the incident, which was caught on video and an audio recording and sent to the WA department of premier and cabinet.

Of Mr Sufi’s departure Mr Sutherland said: “It was a build-up.”

At the social function in early 2013, Mr Sufi impersonates Mr Sutherland’s distinctive South African accent, saying “when I was a freshman in college, you know, I fucked, you know, every fucking hot bitch in the University of Johannesburg. I shoved the old member up her flute.”

He then mocks Mr Sutherland and his wife Michelle — now a Bayswater councillor.

Mr Sufi was also filmed initiating a prank call to eavesdrop on two volunteers from Mr Sutherland’s office. The pair are clearly confused as they try to work out who initiated the call, unaware of Mr Sufi and his guests listening in and guffawing.

Mr Sutherland says after he was given a copy of the recordings, Mr Sufi apologised then resigned.

“Well look, the man apologised to me. It was four years ago and I have moved on—this is old news,” Mr Sutherland told the Herald. About a year later, Mr Sufi went on to work for North Metro MLC Liz Behjat.

Mr Sutherland said he didn’t alert the Liberal party’s state council when Mr Sufi’s pre-selection came up because he felt the issue had been resolved.

Meantime, WA Liberal party state director Andrew Cox says the footage of Mr Sufi had not been raised prior to or during the Fremantle pre-selection.

Mr Sufi declined to comment.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK and STEVE GRANT