Kean told to ‘put his money where his mouth is’ and back a woman for Hornsby

The former NSW treasurer enraged local branch members before the last election when he called on Liberal members to “get on board with the program” and preselect more women. Now is his chance to do just that.

Former Treasurer Matt Kean has been told to “put his money where his mouth is” and back a woman to replace him in the seat of Hornsby.

Mr Kean enraged local branch members before the last election when he called on Liberal members to “get on board with the program” and preselect more women.

Now, after announcing his resignation, Mr Kean is under pressure to support a woman to take over. One name being floated for the seat is Deputy Liberal Leader Natalie Ward, who is looking for a lower house seat.

Multiple Liberals have privately said Ms Ward should run so she could bolster the Opposition’s firepower.

One said it would be “crazy to miss the opportunity” of Ms Ward moving to Hornsby, because she would be a “heavy hitter taking the fight directly to Chris Minns”.

NSW Liberal Matt Kean MP, with son Tom and partner Wendy Paterson, announcing he will retire from politics to pursue a job in the private sector. Picture: James O’Doherty

Ms Ward tried to jump to the lower house before the last election but lost a bruising preselection battle in the North Shore seat of Davidson.

At the time, Mr Kean declared he was “devastated” that the senior Liberal had lost to “junior staffer,” Matt Cross.

However, those who think Ms Ward should run could be disappointed. The Daily Telegraph understands she is not running.

Natalie Ward and Matt Kean.

Mr Kean would not comment on who should replace him in Hornsby when asked on Tuesday, saying it was a matter for Liberal Party branch members.

However, no fewer than six Liberal sources said that Mr Kean needs to publicly back a woman as his replacement.

Another person touted as a potential frontrunner for Liberal preselection was Mr Kean’s confidant and numbers man James Wallace.

Former Treasurer Matt Kean will quit politics for a job in the private sector. Picture: NCA Newswire

Former Liberal state executive member Matthew Camenzuli floated Mr Wallace’s name as a frontrunner for Hornsby on Twitter on Tuesday. However, the Telegraph understands Mr Wallace is not putting his name forward.

One Liberal said Mr Kean should “put his money where his mouth is” and back a female candidate.

Another said there is an “expectation” that Mr Kean would be replaced by a woman, “particularly because he has always advocated for more women in parliament”. Another said Mr Kean “definitely” needs to support a female candidate.

Charlotte Mortlock, founder of advocacy group Hilma’s Network helping Liberal women, said women should be “front of mind for every safe lower house seat”.

“You can’t be premier from the state upper house, making lower house selections even more important,” she said.

On social media, Mr Camenzuli said that if Mr Kean was “serious about women, (he) would at the very least endorse a woman on his way out the door”.

Senior Liberal Damien Tudehope said he wanted the “best candidate” to run for Hornsby.

Asked if the spot should be filled by a woman, he said: “there are plenty of really good women that I know of who would love to put up their hands for a vacant Liberal Party seat”.

Mr Kean was contacted for comment.

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Originally published as Kean told to ‘put his money where his mouth is’ and back a woman for Hornsby