Henderson in eight-way Senate battle
DEPOSED former Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson is facing an eight-horse race in her quest to become Victoria’s newest senator.
A massive field is lining up in the race to replace Victorian Liberal Senator Mitch Fifield in Canberra.
Applications opened Sunday for the plum spot, which has opened up due to Mr Fifield’s appointment as Australia’s next ambassador to the United Nations.
Former Hawthorn MP John Pesutto, who lost his state seat last November, has also been discussed as a possible runner. However, it’s felt he could lack the factional backing to make a successful tilt for the post.
A Liberal insider said it wasn’t cut and dried that Ms Henderson would get the position, despite the backing of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
“Sarah declared early but that doesn’t necessarily mean she is the favourite,” they said.
“She’s regarded as someone who has looked after her own self interest in the past, such as during the debate on live animal exports.
“Her position was advantageous in her own electorate but it didn’t necessarily endear her to the party faithful.”
Anti-same sex marriage campaigner Karina Okotel and former state MP Inga Peulich are two other women in the mix.
Other names rumoured to be in the running include Liberal Party office bearer Greg Mirabella, unsuccessful Liberal Party candidate for Macnamara Kate Ashmor, ex Western Victoria MP Joshua Morris and public health expert Dr Mimmie Claudine Ngum Chi Watts.
The preselection will take place on September 8 at Caulfield Racecourse.
Ms Henderson, who announced her candidacy on May 27, said she was unable to comment during the preselection process.
SARAH DECLARED EARLY BUT THAT DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN SHE IS THE FAVOURITE. LIBERAL PARTY INSIDER