THE Liberals are expected to soon preselect a candidate to contest Dunkley at the next federal election. The Times understands that the party will choose its Dunkley candidate at a meeting at the Frankston Football Club next Tuesday, 15 October.
Nathan Conroy, the incumbent Frankston mayor and unsuccessful candidate in the March by-election, is expected to put his hand up to run again. Former Carrum MP Donna Hope will also contest for the spot, The Times understands.
Despite initially nominating for the upcoming Frankston Council elections, Nathan Conroy withdrew shortly before the cut-off date for nominations. His wife, Steffie Conroy, is now standing for election in the Lyrebird Ward.
The next federal election is due to take place by May next year, but could be earlier. A by-election was held to elect a new member for Dunkley in March after Peta Murphy’s death from breast cancer in December. Labor retained the seat – Jodie Belyea was elected the new Dunkley MP by a margin of 2.7 percent. There was a 3.57 percent swing towards the Liberals. Belyea is expected to run for Dunkley again.
First published in the Frankston Times – 8 October 2024