Won’t show hand

Independent Denison MHR Andrew Wilkie said he had not made any decisions on endorsing candidates at the State Election, including Ms Johnston, but remained openminded.

Mr Wilkie said Denison might be the pivotal electorate, with as many as two seats up for grabs.

“The speculation about Kristie standing is entirely understandable, because she seems to have delivered on her promise to clean up Glenorchy City Council and because she’s just the sort of impressive new talent that’s so desperately needed in the State Parliament,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Ultimately, of course, this is entirely Kristie’s decision.”

The comments came as Mr Gutwein told reporters that Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey would be an excellent candidate for the Liberal Party for the seat.

“I’m heartened that she’s considering standing in Denison,” he said.

“She would be a fantastic candidate. I’ve worked very closely with her as Lord Mayor.

“She’s been very good for this city. She’d be very good for the Liberal Party and importantly for this state, should she decide to stand. I think she’d be fantastic.”

Alderman Hickey confirmed she would seek preselection paperwork from the Liberal Party to “see what is involved”.

“Running for Parliament is an expensive process, so I need to know about what it will entail and the support I can count on,” she said.

Ald Hickey said she would need to discuss the move with family members and members of boards she serves on.

“It’s a big ask, it’s a bit like Matt Groom and [Franklin Labor MP] Lara [Giddings’] situation, you get into Parliament because you are ambitious but you have to have a lot of support.”