Nats candidate withdraws over eligibility

Nationals candidate for Whitlam James Harker-Mortlock has withdrawn from the federal election due to an issue with his eligibility.

Yet another federal election candidate has been scratched because of questions over their eligibility to sit in parliament.

Nationals candidate for the safe Labor seat of Whitlam James Harker-Mortlock has pulled out of the May 18 poll due to an issue with section 44 of the constitution.

"It is unfortunate to lose a formidable candidate in this way and we thank Mr Harker-Mortlock for his efforts thus far," the Nationals said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Nationals have endorsed agricultural consultant Stephen Wentworth as the new candidate for the seat, which is held by Labor's Stephen Jones.

The Liberal Party has lost three candidates to Section 44 eligibility concerns, while Labor's third candidate on its NSW Senate ticket also resigned over a similar issue.


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Source: AAP


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