Aaron Violi to replace Speaker Tony Smith as Liberal candidate in Casey

A former political staffer has been chosen as the next federal Liberal candidate for Casey following the retirement of party stalwart Tony Smith.

Casey federal Liberal MP Tony Smith announced his retirement in July.

Aaron Violi will replace federal Speaker Tony Smith as the Liberal candidate for Casey.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was among those in attendance to watch Mr Violi anointed the successor to Mr Smith, who has held the seat for two decades.

Mr Violi, a former political staffer of Senator James Paterson, thanked his friends for their “support and trust”.

“I promise you I will not let you down,” he said.

“The campaign starts tomorrow to keep Casey in Liberal hands”.

Aaron Violi will replace federal Speaker Tony Smith as the Liberal candidate for Casey. Picture: Facebook

“I’m very excited, and looking forward to the opportunity to get out to meet the residents and spend more time showing them the value of the Liberal party,” Mr Violi added.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Mr Violi, a local businessman and former political staffer to Liberal Senator James Paterson, would make a valuable contribution to federal politics.

“Aaron performed really well today and his extensive knowledge of the area and his deep connections to the area will hold him in good stead ... I look forward to working with him to support the community of Casey,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“There were outstanding candidates in the field – seven in total – big shoes to fill with the departure of Tony Smith who has been a wonderful local member with a strong support and a wonderful speaker of the parliament, there has been no finer speaker.”

Of the 338 members registered for the preselection, 80 did not show up for the vote.

The electorate if Casey, in Melbourne’s outer east, has been held by the Liberals since 1984.

Mr Smith, who triggered the preselection after announcing his retirement from politics, currently holds the seat with a margin of 4.6 per cent.

Candidates for the position included City of Melbourne councillor Roshena Campbell, former Family First candidate Peter Bain, law firm partner Grant Hutchinson and multiple former political staffers – such Andrew Asten, who worked for Alan Tudge.

Mr Smith, 54, announced his retirement from politics in July.

He intends to stand down from the speakership, which he has held for more than six years, later this month so he can spend his final sitting weeks as a backbencher.

Originally published as Aaron Violi to replace Speaker Tony Smith as Liberal candidate in Casey