Women in open race to replace Brandis

TWO high-profile women have put their hand up to replace former attorney-general George Brandis in the Senate.

Former senator Joanna Lindgren and Brisbane barrister Amanda Stoker will contest the LNP’s preselection for the casual vacancy.

It is understood it will be a crowded field, with Brisbane councillor Andrew Wines and finance executive Gerard Rennick also expressing interest.

The LNP has opened expressions of interest for the position with a January 29 deadline to submit applications. Senator Brandis confirmed he would be giving a valedictory speech on February 7 and resigning afterwards.

He will then take up the role as Australia’s high commissioner to the UK, replacing Alexander Downer.

The handover date for the high commissioner position has not been settled .

Ms Lindgren, an LNP senator between 2015 and 2016, has been working as a senior adviser in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

When asked whether she would stand for LNP preselection for the Senate spot, Ms Lindgren said: “I can confirm that I will put my hand up.”

The former teacher won preselection in 2015 to replace Brett Mason, but lost her seat at the next year’s poll.

Ms Stoker, an experienced barrister, is understood to have decided to apply.