Popular child psychologist Fiona Martin to be endorsed as Liberal candidate for Reid

A prominent child psychologist is expected to be endorsed at the Liberal candidate for Reid on Monday night replacing outgoing MP Craig Laundy. It’s understood she is the only candidate to be put before the state executive.

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Prominent child psychologist Fiona Martin is expected to be endorsed at the Liberal candidate for Reid tomorrow replacing outgoing MP Craig Laundy.

After weeks of speculation The Daily Telegraph understands Dr Martin is the only candidate to be put before the state executive after receiving Scott Morrison’s backing.

The prime minister had been desperately searching for a high profile candidate to parachute into the must win seat which the government holds on a 4.7 per cent margin largely because of Mr Laundy’s popularity.

\\Craig Laundy has quit federal politics for family reasons. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Child psychologist Fiona Martin is expected to be endorsed as the Liberal candidate for Reid.

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Both former deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas and ABC presenter Stan Grant turned down Mr Morrison’s overtures.

Dr Martin, a mother of four, was born and raised in the area and founded the Sydney Psychology Centre.

She regularly provides expert opinion in the media including on Channel 9.

Central Coast councillor Jilly Pilon has also been signed off as the Liberal candidate for Dobell — a Labor-held seat the government believes it could win back at the May election.

Ms Pilon ran for the NSW Liberals in the seat of Gosford at the 2017 by-election.

She is an advocate for organ donation and successfully lobbied for a local skatepark to honour her son Banjo who was killed in a skateboarding accident in 2015.