Jim Molan to return to Canberra as NSW senator

Jim Molan has been elected a NSW senator by his state colleagues, returning to a role he previously held prior to the May election.

Jim Molan will return to the Senate. Source: AAP

Jim Molan is returning to Canberra as a senator after receiving the support from a ballot of his NSW Liberal delegates.

The former major-general had previously served as a NSW senator for 18 months but was relegated to an unwinnable position on the Liberal's ticket for the May election.

He controversially ran a "below the line" campaign to try to get re-elected, but was unsuccessful.

Jim Molan had the backing of Scott Morrison and John Howard in his bid to return to the Senate. Source: AAP

In his push to fill a vacancy created by Arthur Sinodinos' departure from the Senate, he had the backing of the likes of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former Liberal leader John Howard.

"I look forward to having the opportunity to re-join the Senate, and continue to work with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and my Liberal colleagues on delivering our vision for this great country," Mr Molan said in a statement on Sunday.

"I am thrilled to be able to continue supporting the Morrison government to deliver a stable economy and a secure Australia, and making our state and our nation the best that they can be."

Mr Molan will replace Mr Sinodinos, who left the upper chamber last month to become Australia's next ambassador of the United States.

Mr Sinodinos had gone against the prime minister's wish and backed former federal MP Peter Hendy to take his place.