Rebekha Sharkie could be forced to campaign in Mayo by-election under Nick Xenophon Team banner

FORMER Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie is facing the confusing prospect of having to stand under the Nick Xenophon Team banner at the upcoming by-election even though the once-popular former senator has cut ties with the party he founded.

In happier times ... Rebekha Sharkie with former NXT leader Nick Xenophon, Stirling Griff and Skye Kakoschke-Moore. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

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FORMER Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie is facing the confusing prospect of having to stand under the Nick Xenophon Team banner at the upcoming by-election even though the once-popular former senator has cut ties with the party he founded.

Ms Sharkie intends to represent the Centre Alliance — the new name for NXT — but if a by-election triggered by her dual citizenship issues is called within weeks the name change would not be officially recorded.

As Ms Sharkie and Liberal rival Georgina Downer began campaigning on Tuesday, Senator Cory Bernardi said the Australian Conservatives would not run a candidate, meaning Ms Downer likely would need almost half of the primary vote to win because few preferences would go her way.

Liberal candidate for Mayo Georgina Downer with Senator Michaelia Cash, begins campaigning for Mayo in Hahndorf on Tuesday. Picture: AAP / Kelly Barnes

The Greens have confirmed the party will run a candidate. Labor “anticipates running” and intends to start the formal preselection process shortly.

NXT’s official name change procedures will not be completed until at least June 7.

The Mayo by-election date is not yet known, although late July is speculated, and Ms Sharkie’s corflutes would then likely would be labelled Centre Alliance, with a small NXT name to adhere to electoral regulations.

This risks confusing voters, although there also is the risk of a backlash against Mr Xenophon after his state election implosion.

Ms Sharkie said Mr Xenophon was unlikely to be campaigning on her behalf, because he had withdrawn from public life, while the Centre Alliance’s website said he “is no longer involved with the party”.

“If Nick wants to come up and help he knows where my tiny little campaign office is,” Ms Sharkie said.

“I think I’ve already asked enough of Nick over the years. I think it’s time for him to take care of himself.”

Ms Sharkie on Tuesday portrayed herself as the underdog, saying she was relying on “a wealth of people power” rather than her opponents’ dollars.

Ms Downer, who was joined in Hahndorf by federal ministers Michaelia Cash and Anne Ruston, distanced herself from previous controversial comments about SA’s share of the GST, penalty rates and the minimum wage, saying these were made as an employee of the Institute of Public Affairs.

It is understood Labor analysis of state election results, overlaid in Mayo, shows SA Best/Centre Alliance attracting just 22 per cent primary support, which would hand Ms Downer a 54:46 win.

At the state election, the Greens preferenced the Liberals but a senior party source said Ms Sharkie was widely liked in the electorate and a deal with her would be the right fit.

The Greens candidate is rumoured to be Adelaide Hills mayor Bill Spragg, who did not return calls.