Independent candidate Kerryn Phelps will preference the Liberals above Labor on her how-to-vote cards in the Wentworth by-election, in a move designed to blunt Scott Morrison’s warnings that supporting Ms Phelps would help the opposition.
Ms Phelps showed up unannounced and surprised a press pack in Sydney’s Double Bay. The media were expecting the prime minister and Liberal candidate Dave Sharma instead.
Mr Morrison then cancelled his scheduled appearance, setting another time to speak elsewhere in the electorate later in the day.
“History is made by the people who turn up. Scott Morrison didn’t turn up today, I did,” Ms Phelps said.
Ms Phelps announced she would preference the Liberals above Labor in the coming October 20 by-election, despite previously saying she thought voters should put the Liberals last to send a message to Canberra over the recent leadership turmoil.
Independent candidate for Wentworth Kerryn Phelps (right) speaks with constituents in Double Bay. Source: AAP
“I think that is in the best interests of the electorate,” Ms Phelps said.
“I will be a fiercely true independent for Wentworth,” she said.
Ms Phelps is known for her advocacy on same-sex marriage and is positioning herself as a “voice of reason” for the “sensible centre”.
She criticised the “hard-right” of the Liberal party for stalling action on climate change, and said she had concerns about anticipated reforms to discrimination law to protect ‘religious freedoms’.
Labor leader Bill Shorten said he would have preferred if Ms Phelps directed preferences to Labor’s candidate, but still encouraged voters to support the independent.
“A vote for her would be a clear message,” Mr Shorten said.
“No one controls her.”
Liberal candidate for Wentworth Dave Sharma was also canvassing for votes in Double Bay. Source: AAP
Wentworth has been held by the Liberals since the electorate was created and is considered a very safe seat for the Coalition.
Malcolm Turnbull held the seat on a large margin, but polls suggest the Liberals will face a significant swing against them after the popular local candidate was rolled from the prime ministership.
