Contenders line up to replace retiring Liberal Bradfield MP Paul Fletcher ahead of Teal challenge

A large field of potential candidates have been put forward to replace retiring senior Liberal, after shock announcement.

The race to replace retiring Liberal MP Paul Fletcher will go to a rank and file vote of party members, as the Teals’ candidate for the former blue-ribbon seat declared it was time for voters to make a change.

Mr Fletcher announced on Tuesday he wouldn’t contest next year’s federal election, amid a major challenge from Teals candidate Nicolette Boele.

It’s understood Gisele Kapterian, who was the Liberal Party’s candidate to run in North Sydney before the seat was abolished, is the frontrunner to be selected.

Other Liberal Party members have thrown up names including businessman and Indigenous advocate Warren Mundine, NSW Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens, and corporate affairs executive Penny George, who is marred to NSW Upper House MP Scott Farlow.

Former NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, who left state politics earlier this year and has a young family, won’t throw his hat in the ring, despite being touted previously as Mr Fletcher’s successor.

Veteran Liberal Paul Fletcher is retiring.

The decision will come down to a rank and file vote of more than 500 party members in the seat.

Mr Fletcher shocked some in the party after announcing he wouldn’t contest the election.

“The decision behind my resignation is renewal,” the MP said.

“I’m a believer in renewal for individuals and for institutions. I’ve been very lucky - I’ve had 15 years in parliament, contested six elections but now it’s time to let somebody else have a go.”

Mr Fletcher was hit with a 15 per cent swing against him at the last election, with his main competitor then, Teal candidate Ms Boele, running again next year.

The election took the former safe Liberal seat down to a margin of just 2.5 per cent.

Mr Fletcher only last week seemed determined to take the fight to the Teals, launching a fiery speech where he labelled the movement a “Green left con job”.

Ms Boele released a statement thanking Mr Fletcher for his service.

“While Paul Fletcher and I may disagree with each other on many things, there is much to respect and admire in his long period of service to our community and the country,” she said.

“For 75 years, one political party has held Bradfield. Now is the opportunity for an independent to make a difference.”

The former Minister is set to host a barbecue with volunteers next Tuesday, which is expected to be well attended by potential candidates.

EARLIER

Earlier on Tuesday morning, he released a statement confirming he would retire at the next election, due by May.

“Last week I marked fifteen years as Member for Bradfield. Renewal is healthy, for people and institutions, and now is the right time to hand over the baton,” he said.

“I expect some outstanding people will put themselves forward to be the next Liberal candidate for Bradfield, and to serve the people of Bradfield with energy and commitment. That Liberal candidate, once chosen through our party processes, will have my full support.”

Manager of Opposition Business, Paul Fletcher during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The loss of Mr Fletcher follows the retirement of shadow foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham, and further erodes the already dwindling number of senior Liberals from the moderate faction.

Mr Fletcher was hit with a 15 per cent swing against him at the last election, with his main competitor then, Teal candidate Nicolette Boele, running again next year.

Mr Fletcher said he would re-enter the private sector after a holiday.

“Once my term ends and I have taken some time for travel and rest, I plan to return to the private sector. My focus will be in the communications, digital technology, infrastructure and transport sectors where I have worked extensively in both public and private sector roles,” he said.

Mr Fletcher only last week seemed determined to take the fight to the Teals, launching a fiery speech where he labelled the movement a “Green left con job”.