Miriam Beswick set to recontest her seat as a Nationals candidate

A former Lambie has announced she will be recontesting for her NW Tasmanian seat, but for a different party where she joins a familiar face.

National Party Senate Leader, Bridget McKenzie, left, potential candidate for Braddon, Miriam Beswick, and state director Brooke De Jong. Picture: Supplied

Former Jacqui Lambie Network member and independent Tasmanian MP, Miriam Beswick, will contest the upcoming state election for the Nationals, after announcing her preselection bid in Devonport on Monday alongside Nationals Senate Leader, Bridget McKenzie.

Ms Beswick, who was elected to the Tasmanian parliament last year under the JLN banner before she and Rebekah Pentland were expelled from the party by Ms Lambie, said the National Party was an organisation whose values aligned with her own.

National Party Senate Leader, Bridget McKenzie, potential candidate for Braddon, Miriam Beswick, and state director Brooke De Jong.

“I’m here today to announce that I have joined the Tasmanian Nationals, and I will be seeking pre selection this Saturday,” she said.

“Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen some really big egos in parliament, and I am pleased that the Nationals have come forward with the opportunity to run with them so that we can work together really collaboratively.

“I have made this decision very carefully, and I really feel that the Nationals values align with my own, and that this will be the best way to achieve things in the future.”

Ms Beswick will join former JLN member, Andrew Jenner, in the Nationals team at the 19 July election, with Ms Pentland to also run again, but as an independent.

Sen McKenzie described Ms Beswick as a woman of integrity, and someone who had already made a big impact in her short time in state parliament.

“Miriam is a hard worker making constructive impact in the Tasmanian parliament, and someone that brings common sense and experience to our state election team,” Sen McKenzie said.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party state secretary Phillip Bigg.

Meanwhile, Derwent Valley community advocate Phillip Bigg will run for Lyons as an independent.

“Tasmanians have had enough of political agendas and grandstanding, our community deserves elected members who will work together for the future of our state,” Mr Bigg said.

More to come.

Originally published as Miriam Beswick set to recontest her seat as a Nationals candidate