MOUNT Gambier businessman Ben Hood has pulled out of the looming Liberal Party preselection contest just days before nominations close.
Mr Hood yesterday ended speculation that he planned to nominate for preselection for the seat of Mount Gambier in the March state election.
Speaking to The Border Watch, the co-creator of fictional character George The Farmer revealed he did canvass the idea of nominating.
“I will not be running, but I did consider it seriously,” Mr Hood said.
“I love Mount Gambier and I want to continue to work to serve the community, but at this present time my commitment is to my business and to George.”
But he revealed he harboured political aspirations and did not rule out running in the future.
“I will not rule it out in the future, it is something I would like to do,” Mr Hood said.
The Liberal Party has been left scouring for a candidate following the shock resignation of Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, who is fighting a string of major indictable theft charges.
While other possible contenders have declined to comment to The Border Watch, it is understood former weather officer and now realtor Craig Marsh as well as environmental campaigner and prominent Mingbool grazier Tony Beck intend to nominate.
Speculation has also emerged Mount Gambier realtor Vicki Quinn is also contemplating adding her name to the preselection candidate list.
Nominations for preselection close this Friday with a vote of Mount Gambier Liberal Party branch members expected within four weeks.
Up to 200 Mount Gambier branch members are expected to vote in the preselection plebiscite.
Around 10 executive members of the state party are also expected to travel to Mount Gambier for the vote.
The Nick Xenophon Team and the Labor Party are yet to announce their candidates for the election, which is now just six months away.
Mr Bell is also yet to reveal whether he will run as an independent for re-election.
