Outgoing former PM Scott Morrison will not back the only woman vying to replace him

In 2021 Scott Morrison said he would “love to see a woman” replace him in the seat of Cook. But the former PM is skipping on his chance to make that come true.

Outgoing former prime minister Scott Morrison has refused to back the only female candidate vying to replace him in the seat of Cook — despite previously claiming he would love to see a woman in the Sutherland Shire electorate.

Three males and one female candidate are set to fight it out for Cook on Monday, but Liberal sources confirmed Mr Morrison has told them he will not be endorsing any candidates or getting involved until after the preselection.

This is despite the only female candidate, war widow and inaugural Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner Gwen Cherne, being his former captain’s pick for the seat of Hughes in the 2022 election.

In 2021, Mr Morrison said: “I would love to see a woman follow me as the member for Cook when I choose to retire from politics.”

Scott Morrison delivers his valedictory speech to parliament in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Martin Ollman

Mr Morrison’s failure to endorse Ms Cherne, or any other candidates, have miffed party members concerned the Coalition will once again stall on female representation.

On Tuesday, his final day in parliament, Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley told the Coalition party room Mr Morrison should be celebrated for bringing in a record number of women.

But the Coalition has failed to shake off its gender woes with Teal independent Allegra Spender blasting the party for its record on female representation.

The Wentworth MP told Sky News she ran as a Teal because of the lack of gender parity in the party.

War Widow Gwen Cherne with her children. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“One of the reasons why I went into politics is because the Coalition has had, in the house, less than 25 per cent women in the House of Reps (sic) back when I finished school which was in 1996,” she said.

“At the moment I think its 21 per cent. It has never gotten above 25 per cent.

“We’ve got Dunkley, another man running in that seat. I look at the other by-elections that have been held in this parliament. So far we have two men running and one woman running.”

Ms Spender said “it’s time for the Coalition to step up on women”.

Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley said “she will always argue for more women” but there will be no “megaphone” from her advocating for a particular woman.

“There will be no megaphone from me to the NSW division, I am a humble party member in that division,” she told ABC.

“As the most senior woman in the Liberal Party, I will always argue for more women everywhere.”

Mr Morrison was contacted for a comment.

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