Liberal heavyweights say the Perth electorate of Curtin is the party’s best chance of reclaiming a seat from the teal independents at the looming federal election, thanks to a surge in volunteers and donations.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton declared to a crowd of more than 500 supporters crammed into the member’s lounge of Perth’s Claremont Showgrounds this week that a Coalition victory in the election could only be secured if the party won back the formerly blue ribbon seat.