Reid rejected by big names

FORMER workplace minister Craig Laundy has urged rankand-file Liberals to pick the best candidate after two star candidates rebuffed offers to replace him in his Sydney seat.

ABC broadcaster Stan Grant and former NSW deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas have knocked back the chance to run for the Liberals in Reid.

“It’d be sanctimonious of me to sit here and preach to the rank and file who they should select. I think they should select the best candidate for the job,” he said yesterday.

Kelly O’Dwyer and Christopher Pyne are also retiring.