THE Liberal Party says it will be running a strong candidate for the seat of Mount Gambier in the March state election.
Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas yesterday hit back at Labor Minister Kyam Maher arguing Labor policies had been damaging for Mount Gambier.
“The Liberal Party will be putting forward a strong local advocate as the Liberal Party candidate,” Mr Lucas said.
“Whether Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell stays in parliament is entirely a matter for Mr Bell as he is no longer a member of the Liberal Party.”
Regarding comments by Mr Maher that Mount Gambier had been well represented by independents over the past 20 years, the Liberal stalwart described these comments as startling.
“It is extraordinary the third most senior member of the Weatherill Labor Government has given up on the Labor Party and is asking people to vote for an independent,” Mr Lucas said.
“Given the damage the policies of he Labor Government have caused in Mount Gambier, it is not surprising Mr Maher is no longer asking local people to vote for the Labor Party.”
Nominations for Liberal preselection closed last week with nominees being kept confidential.
