Colbeck staffer rules out by-election run

SPECULATION that Liberal staffer Felix Ellis could be a candidate in the Braddon by-election brought a smile to his face yesterday.

“No, I won’t be a candidate. I’m actually a dual citizen of Lithuania, so I won’t be able to run this time,” he said.

Ironically, the poll has arisen because Labor’s Justine Keay was a dual British citizen at the time of her nomination for Braddon in 2016.

Mr Ellis polled 1842 primary votes in the state election on March 3.

His name was mentioned in a poll conducted on Thursday night, sparking speculation that he may put himself up for preselection against former Braddon MP Brett Whiteley.

“My grandfather Albert Linigas grew up in Lithuania and his father was the conductor of the Jewish orchestra in Kaunas which is the second city of Lithuania,” he said.

Mr Ellis, his mother and his brothers took up Lithuanian citizenship after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

“I actually know I’m a dual citizen, unlike some other parliamentarians.”

Mr Ellis, a member of Liberal senator Richard Colbeck’s staff, said he would consider renunciation if he was to stand for federal politics.

Meanwhile, Mr Whiteley has kept his head down about his intentions.