A former Victorian premier is throwing his weight behind the daughter of a former foreign minister to stand for outgoing Trade Minister Andrew Robb's seat.
Jeff Kennett has publicly backed Georgina Downer, the daughter of former high profile federal MP Alexander Downer against retiring Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson for the Melbourne seat of Goldstein.
It comes as ABC radio on Tuesday reported former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop could have some stiff competition for her seat in the form of Walter Villatora, who is believed to hold references from former prime minister Tony Abbott and NSW Premier Mike Baird.
Mr Kennett told ABC radio Mr Wilson had asked for his backing, but the former premier advised him he would support Ms Downer.
He believes Ms Downer is "very articulate, well educated and well rounded" and denied his support was due to the Downer dynasty.
He also criticised Mr Wilson for doing a series of interviews on Monday after announcing his resignation from the Human Rights Commission, despite Mr Wilson being careful not to talk about preselection.
Under Liberal Party rules, a candidate for preselection can't perform media interviews about their nomination, meaning other hopefuls haven't enjoyed the same spotlight as Mr Wilson.
Nominations for Liberal preselection close on Friday.
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