John Alexander retires from federal politics

Liberal MP John Alexander has announced he will retire from federal politics and will not contest the seat of Bennelong at the next election.

Liberal MP John Alexander has announced he will retire from federal politics and will not contest the seat of Bennelong at the next election.

The 70-year-old held the seat, which was John Howard’s while he was prime minister, for more than a decade.

In 2010 he took it off former ABC journalist Maxine McKew, who memorably won it for Labor from Mr Howard three years earlier.

Bennelong MP John Alexander has announced his retirement. Picture: AAP Image / Troy Snook

The former tennis star made the announcement in a Facebook post, saying “time to hang up my racquet,” ending months of speculation about his future.

“Serving Bennelong has been an incredible honour and I must thank the people of Bennelong who have put their trust in me for the last 11 years,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Alexander paid tribute to Mr Howard, saying he had inspired him to run for the seat.

“The great man told me he was keen to attract people who had real life experience and could contribute to the development of policy,” he said.

“In short, he believed that parties should only win office on the presentation of superior policies and only hold office by delivering on their promises.

“I have stayed true to these ideals, by initiating and chairing inquiries that determined the facts upon which to draw reasonable policy recommendations.

“These inquiries focused on settlement planning, housing affordability and supply, the infrastructure required to facilitate such plans and the equitable sustainable funding of them.”

The announcement leaves the seat open for Liberal Party selection, with political adviser Gisele Kapterian and City of Sydney councillor Craig Chung the top contenders.

“I make this announcement now in fairness to those who may be interested in nominating for preselection,” he wrote.

“I care deeply about the future of Bennelong, and our Government, and want the best possible candidates competing for the honour of being the Liberal Party candidate for Bennelong.”

He also took aim at the current state of politics.

“It is my sincerest wish that the contest of ideas should be wholesome and respectful, and will prevail over the demeaning, unproductive political jousting of recent times,” he said.