Liberal preselection race for Nicolle Flint’s seat of Boothby heats up

A string of prominent figures, including the Treasurer and a former assistant police commissioner are weighing into the preselection.

Treasurer Rob Lucas and a former SA Police assistant commissioner are among the high profile figures weighing into the Liberal Party’s bid to select a candidate for Nicolle Flint’s seat of Boothby.

Health Minister Stephen Wade and Senator Alex Antic have also thrown their support behind candidates ahead of the preselection on May 22.

Former assistant police commissioner Graeme Barton has backed SA Police major crimes Detective Shaun Osborn to run for the Liberals in the state’s most marginal seat, saying he would make an “outstanding parliamentarian”.

In a written endorsement, Mr Barton said Mr Osborn was a community leader who had served with distinction in the police force, and noted he had wanted to run for Boothby since 2015.

Fellow candidate Dr Rachel Swift has the backing of Mr Lucas, Mr Wade and a string of prominent business and health figures, including AI Group boss Innes Willox, who is a former chief of staff to Liberal heavyweight Alexander Downer.

Leah Blyth: “I have spent more than 35 years living in the electorate of Boothby and I have spent my entire life active in our community.”

Shaun Osborn: “More than 35 years living and working in Boothby has given me a deep understanding of the needs, nuances, concerns and diversity of our community.”

Adelaide Airport manager Brenton Cox, former Member for Adelaide Trish Worth, and SA Young Liberals past and current presidents have also backed the health consultant and SA Liberal Party vice president in her campaign pitch to local party members.

In a written endorsement, Mr Lucas described Dr Swift as a “strong and effective advocate for Boothby, with a proven track record of delivering results across health care, business, diplomacy and at the grassroots in the community”.

Mr Wade said she was a “world-class infectious diseases expert” who would be valuable during the pandemic.

Former United Nation’s official Tony Banbury has also written to endorse Dr Swift after her time working on a UN mission to end the ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Dr Swift, who is backed by the moderate faction, ran for Senate preselection in February but missed out on a winnable spot on the ticket.

Leah Blyth, an education sector executive, has been endorsed by Senator Alex Antic, MP Nicola Centofanti, and City of Adelaide councillor Alexander Hyde, who described her as a “hard working and capable” candidate.

Senator Antic said Ms Blyth was a “strong conservative and someone whose values, work ethic, and local knowledge would be a tremendous asset to the community”.

Mr Hyde, a senior political staffer for Ms Flint who ran the 2019 campaign for Boothby, said in a written endorsement that Ms Blyth was the only candidate who had been actively involved in the previous campaign and her community service, local knowledge and compassionate disposition would be “what our voters look for”.

Rachel Swift: “From local community issues through to concerns about cost of living pressures, creating more jobs or tackling housing affordability, I will be a passionate champion for people right across Boothby.”

A local lacrosse player, Ms Blyth was also endorsed by Brighton Lacrosse Club coach Carly Mangan.

Senior party figures and outgoing Boothby MP Nicolle Flint have highlighted they would like a female candidate, although sources said Mr Osborn also had local backing in the seat.

All three candidates highlighted their ties to the community in campaign pitches to local party members.

Ms Blyth’s letter highlighted she wasn’t “a career politician or political staffer” but someone who was active in the community, grew up in the area and whose family had owned businesses in Boothby.

She also emphasised her leadership experience after more than 20 years in senior roles in the education sector, including with Study Adelaide and the University of Adelaide.

Dr Swift pitched her political experience and understanding of local issues as someone who grew up in Boothby.

She promised to be a “vocal and unflinching advocate” for Boothby and South Australia, including on jobs, cost of living, local infrastructure upgrades and health funding

Dr Swift also highlighted her healthcare background, community service and networks in corporate Australia which could help with fundraising.

Mr Osborn, a former Liberal candidate for Adelaide in 2019, highlighted his campaign experience, long community service, fundraising track-record and insight as a police officer.