NSW Nationals MP Andrew Gee has announced his bid to run for the federal seat of Calare.
It comes after the long-serving member of the central NSW seat, John Cobb, on Monday announced he was retiring from politics and would not contest the upcoming election.
"Having weighed it all up I've decided to seek pre-selection because there is, right now, a real opportunity for the federal government to get some things done that will make a real difference to the lives of the people of this region," Mr Gee said in a statement to AAP.
The lower house MP said his decision to move into federal politics was not taken lightly, however senior Nationals figures had made it clear to him that he would be a "very welcome addition to the federal party room".
The preselection for the seat will be held in Bathurst on April 30.
"Preselections are gruelling processes and I am in no doubt about how difficult this one will be," Mr Gee said on Wednesday.
"I think it will be a very close contest and the outcome is uncertain."
Mr Gee, 46, has held the seat of Orange for six years since being elected in 2011.
NSW Nationals leader Troy Grant said Mr Gee was a strong member of his team and he was sorry to lose him.
"But he has a passion for federal issues so I wish him and (his wife) Tina all the best," he said.
Mr Gee's announcement comes a day after Labor MP Linda Burney announced her decision to stand aside from the NSW seat of Canterbury.
The former deputy opposition leader is seeking preselection for the southern Sydney seat of Barton.
If successful, she will become the first indigenous woman in the House of Representatives.
Share
