LNP MEMBERS DECIDE
Businessman Garth Hamilton wins tough LNP preselection battle, faces Groom by-election
TOOWOOMBA businessman Garth Hamilton will take on the Groom byelection next month, after the city’s local membership of the Liberal National Party voted for him at a decisive meeting yesterday. Mr Hamilton was confirmed the winner of the preselection battle ahead of more prominent figures like Dr David van Gend and Cr Rebecca Vonhoff. Mr Hamilton, who joined the LNP 15 years ago, was state Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts’ campaign manager in 2017.
He will now face the November 28 byelection, after ex-MP John McVeigh stepped aside for personal reasons.
The electorate has never been held by Labor and is considered an extremely safe seat for the LNP.
TOOWOOMBA businessman and former miner Garth Hamilton is close to a seat in federal parliament, after the Liberal National Party's membership chose him to stand at the Groom by-election next month.
In a move that was met with relief according to LNP insiders, Mr Hamilton beat a field of seven candidates at a special party meeting yesterday afternoon at Rumours International.
Controversial and outspoken candidate Dr David van Gend was considered a chance at winning the spot, while other prominent figures in the running included Toowoomba councillor Rebecca Vonhoff and aviation expert Sara Hales.
A 15-year member of the party, Mr Hamilton has worked across the world and was also state Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts’ campaign manager for the 2017 election.
He will seek to replace Dr John McVeigh at the November 28 by-election.
The seat is considered extremely safe for the LNP, meaning Mr Hamilton has a very strong chance of winning and joining parliament.
“I’d like to thank the party for the faith they put in me, and I’ll work very hard to repay that faith,” he told the media after the result yesterday.