Independent Licia Heath backed as Wentworth by-election date set

STATE MP Alex Greenwich and Lord Mayor Clover Moore have thrown their support behind independent Licia Heath who is hoping to snare the seat of Wentworth from the Liberals with voters going to the polls on October 20.

HIGH profile state MP Alex Greenwich has thrown his support behind independent Licia Heath who is hoping to snare the seat of Wentworth from the Liberals.

The Daily Telegraph understands Lord Mayor Clover Moore is planning join her close ally to endorse Ms Heath and direct their considerable volunteer base to join the campaign.

Alex Greenwich has thrown his support behind independent Licia Heath. Picture: Troy Snook

It comes as Speaker Tony Smith has confirmed the by-election caused by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to quit parliament would be held on October 20.

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Local Liberal members will vote to select the party’s candidate from a field of seven candidates on Thursday night.

Ms Moore and Ms Heath will be attending a fundraising for Mr Greenwich’s re-election campaign in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Independent Licia Heath who is hoping to snare the seat of Wentworth.

Former deputy lord mayor Kerryn Phelps has not formally nominated but is still believed to be intending to run as an independent.

The emergence of two credible independent candidates could spilt the vote and help the Liberals hold on to the seat.

“Licia is a strong and community based independent who I’m proud to support,” Mr Greenwich said.

“From her commitment to public education, a federal ICAC (Independent Commissioner Against Corruption), parliamentary reform including fixed four-year terms and action on climate change, she represents the values and issues important to Wentworth”.

The by-election was caused when Malcolm Turnbull quit politics.

Ms Heath, who had a career in the financial services industry, has been spearheading a community campaign to establish a new public secondary school in Wentworth.

The married mother of two told The Daily Telegraph she would use the by-election to raise the profile of the school push.