THE Liberal Party will likely have a suite of possible candidates who will run in a preselection battle for the seat of Mount Gambier.
It is understood a number of high profile candidates are considering entering the tightly contested race, including prominent anti-fracking campaigner Tony Beck and former meteorologist and now real estate agent Craig Marsh.
Other possible contenders include councillor Christian Greco and former political hopeful Steve Perryman.
Graphic designer, web developer and musician Ben Hood – co-creator of George the Farmer – has also been mooted as a possible challenger.
These possible candidates declined to comment to The Border Watch yesterday.
This follows up to 50 people attended a closed meeting of the Liberal Party faithful in Mount Gambier on Wednesday after the shock resignation of now independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell last week.
Mr Bell this week fronted the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court for the first time over a string of theft charges relating to the $2m misappropriation of taxpayer funds.
Shadow Liberal Treasurer Rob Lucas – who attended the branch meeting to speak about the preselection process to members and possible contenders – said yesterday he was confident a quality candidate would be selected.
“There was a strong message at the meeting the Mount Gambier members would select the person they wanted,” Mr Lucas told The Border Watch yesterday.
He said Mount Gambier branch members were clear they did not want any influence from Adelaide.
The Liberal veteran – who grew up in Mount Gambier and now lives in Adelaide – said Mount Gambier was a key seat in the March 2018 election.
“We need to hold onto the seat of Mount Gambier,” Mr Lucas said.
Questioned about the possible damage to the party brand given the revelations facing Mr Bell, Mr Lucas conceded the reaction from voters was untested.
“Emotions are pretty raw at the moment and people are still in shock – I am confident we will find a quality candidate to bring to the table, ” Mr Lucas said.
“I am hoping any damage to the Liberal Party brand will be minimal, but people will make that decision when they vote,” he said.
But Mr Lucas warned people needed to vote for the Liberal Party if they wanted a change of government in the state.
“The Labor Party has been in power for 16 years and they have reaped so much destruction in Mount Gambier,” he said.
Explaining the selection of the candidate would be undertaken by the grassroots members, he said the party was looking for a candidate with a strong connection with the community and a good profile.
“But it is really not for me to comment, it will be up to the Mount Gambier members,” he said.
Nominations for the Liberal Party preselection have opened and close at noon on Friday, September 8.
