The electorate of Farrer, in south-western New South Wales, is preparing for a byelection following the announcement that Sussan Ley will resign from parliament. The upcoming contest will be the fifth byelection in three years and the second resulting from the retirement of a former Liberal leader.
A Test for New Leadership
The byelection in Farrer will serve as the first major test for Angus Taylor’s leadership of the Liberal Party. It will also gauge the reception of Taylor’s shift toward more conservative policies, including those related to immigration, with One Nation’s Pauline Hanson confirming her party will participate in the race.
Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, who ran second to Ley in the May election, has already announced her intention to contest the seat again. Milthorpe received $283,000 in donations during the last election, including $170,000 from Climate 200 and $30,000 from the Regional Voices fund, and indicated she would again accept donations from supporters of climate action.
Milthorpe stated that the electorate, which includes Albury, Deniliquin, and Griffith, deserves to be a priority, and not an afterthought in party politics. She also praised Ley’s 24-year career while promising a greater focus on local issues.
Election analyst Antony Green anticipates a complex contest, noting that the Nationals are expected to run a candidate now that the seat is vacant. He also suggests that Labor may choose not to contest the election, potentially allowing for a direct showdown between the Liberal and National parties, as well as Milthorpe’s independent bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the byelection in Farrer?
The byelection was triggered by Sussan Ley’s announcement that she will resign from parliament following her defeat in the Liberal party leadership contest.
Who is Michelle Milthorpe?
Michelle Milthorpe is an independent candidate who ran second to Sussan Ley in the May election and has announced her intention to contest the byelection.
What is at stake for Angus Taylor?
The byelection will be the first test of Angus Taylor’s leadership of the Liberal Party and his new political direction.
As the political landscape shifts, will the voters of Farrer prioritize local concerns or align with broader national political trends?
