Right wing Libs put pressure on Alan Jones to run for federal politics

Senior conservatives are putting pressure on radio and TV presenter Alan Jones to run for federal politics.

Broadcaster Alan Jones is under increasing pressure to consider a tilt at federal politics with senior conservatives hoping the former Sky News host will — finally — agree.

Jones, who hosted his final program last month, has been repeatedly asked to consider a political career with one NSW Liberal source declaring he had been offered “nearly everything” from a NSW Upper House seat to the Senate. At a lunch held in his honour in Parliament House on Friday as Jones was again asked if he would have a go with the broadcaster politely laughing off the question.

It is understood one of his key supporters is former prime minister Tony Abbott, prompting speculation Jones is being encouraged to run in Warringah. Nominations were to have closed on December 3, but the deadline was extended on Friday to January 14 to allow former premier Gladys Berejiklian more time to make up her mind as to whether she will nominate. It is understood Ms Berejiklian is now seriously considering the offer.

Broadcaster Alan Jones has worked in both radio and television. Picture: Tim Hunter

However, Liberal sources believe Mr Jones would face resistance from the left and soft-left factions for a spot on the Senate ticket. With Marise Payne in the number one spot, number three is expected to be filled by right-wingers Concetta Fierraventi-Wells or Jim Molan with the Nationals at number two.

Another senior Liberal suggested Mr Jones would be supported in a senate run as a “Liberal-backed independent”. He would have the unofficial support at polling booths from conservative volunteers and the thousands of members of his “radio army”.

It would be a big ask to secure the prerequisite number of votes but a Liberal Party source said a stint in the Upper House would be a fitting new chapter in his public career.

Mr Jones could not be contacted. Meanwhile, Mr Morrison said yesterday he had spoken to Ms Berejiklian “a few times”.

“It would be terrific and my team feels the same way, it would be terrific to have Gladys in our team, so many of us have worked closely with her for over a long time,” he said.

“She wasn’t just a very successful premier she was a very successful minister both as a treasurer and the transport minister so she’s pretty capable but she has to decide what the next chapter is for her, so we’re just respecting her time, her wishes and her space and hopefully over the summer break she’ll decide what she wants to do next and whatever that is she’ll have our full support.”

Asked if she could run later if she chooses to pass on Warringah, he said: “Politics has always got a clock on it, but honestly Gladys we are about the same age, so she has many choices ahead of her and I know she’ll make the best one for her and who she’s close to.”

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