Labor is set to spring a federal election surprise, anointing a 23-year-old cleanskin candidate to take on incumbent Rebekha Sharkie and high-profile Liberal Georgina Downer in Mayo, InDaily has confirmed.
Former Liberal leader Alexander Downer appears to have doubled down on his criticism of voters at the Mayo by-election, penning a column in which he blames the Australian public for 10 years of political turmoil.
Failed Liberal by-election candidate Georgina Downer will face a preselection challenge for Mayo, with a local branch member telling a meeting of party members last night he will contest the ballot.
An adviser to SA Labor frontbencher Katrine Hildyard is set to take on Nicolle Flint in the state’s only marginal federal seat, InDaily understands, as both major parties prepare the ground for a looming general election.