Georgina Downer declares candidacy for Liberal preselection in Mayo by-election

ASPIRING Liberal candidate Georgina Downer is portraying her bid for Mayo as a homecoming to the place where she lived for two decades and was married, as she formally declares her interest in her father’s old seat.

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ASPIRING Liberal candidate Georgina Downer is portraying her bid for Mayo as a homecoming to the place where she lived for two decades and was married, as she formally declares her interest in her father’s old seat.

In a statement to The Advertiser, Ms Downer confirmed her long-anticipated nomination for Liberal preselection in a by-election triggered by former Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie’s resignation over citizenship issues.

Ms Downer, a former diplomat and corporate lawyer, is seeking to continue her family’s SA political dynasty, which includes former premier Sir John Downer and her father, former federal Liberal leader and foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer.

Georgina Downer at Normanville, where she will live while she runs her campaign for the Mayo by-election. Picture: Matt Turner

“As someone who grew up and spent the first two decades of her life in Mayo, was married in Mayo, and whose family have lived in the Adelaide Hills for over a century, I am coming home,” Ms Downer’s statement says.

“Like so many young South Australians, I went interstate and overseas to seek out job opportunities. Now I am coming home to use those experiences and give back to my community.”

Declaring that she respects the Liberal preselection process, for which nominations close on Monday, Ms Downer said she looked forward to participating with other candidates.

But she has secured the backing of Liberal powerbrokers, both from her own Right faction and from the state’s most senior federal Liberal, Moderate leader Christopher Pyne.

Ms Downer, a research fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, will live at the Downer family’s Normanville property during the campaign. Standing for the Nick Xenophon Team, Ms Sharkie won Mayo at the 2016 federal election from Liberal Jamie Briggs, who succeeded Mr Downer in the seat he held from 1984-2008.

Centre Alliance's Rebekha Sharkie resigned but will seek re-election in Mayo. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Ms Sharkie said yesterday she had received messages from voters across Mayo.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from voters and community groups right across the electorate,’’ she said.

Ms Sharkie formally resigned from Parliament yesterday and began setting up a campaign office in Mt Barker.

House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith is yet to announce when the by-elections for Mayo and four Labor-held seats will be held.

Labor is considering contesting Mayo and has sought expressions of interest.