Transport Minister David Elliott could be preselected for Castle Hills

Transport Minister David Elliott has been given a glimmer of hope of continuing his state political career, with his factional rival facing the possibility of being knocked out of the race.

Transport Minister David Elliott has been given a glimmer of hope of continuing his state political career, with his factional rival facing the possibility of being knocked out of the race.

But only if the NSW Liberal Party controversially reopens nominations for the seat Mr Elliott had been intending to run in.

The Liberal Party nomination review committee — a body which vets all prospective candidates — on Friday interviewed prospective Castle Hill candidate Noel McCoy.

Supporters of Mr McCoy claimed the committee wanted to ask the law firm partner “more questions”.

However, other Liberals familiar with the process claimed Mr McCoy was on shaky ground, with the interview not having gone well.

Given the controversy that erupted after historic tweets made by federal Liberal Warringah candidate Katherine Deves were unearthed, it is understood the party is taking extra care in vetting all of its prospective candidates.

Mr McCoy is well known for his pro-life views on abortion, and having discussed opposition to Covid restrictions and vaccine mandates on his “north west forum”.

David Elliott could resurrect his state political career. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Elliott — who is from the centre-right faction — announced his retirement last month, claiming he could not win preselection for the northwest Sydney seat on factional grounds.

He refused to nominate for Kellyville — despite that seat loosely following the boundaries of his old seat of Baulkham Hills — because his factional colleague Ray Williams had done so, and that he would not “knife a mate”.

However, Mr Elliott — who is understood to be open to delaying his retirement — still has a few major obstacles to overcome if he is to run, even if Mr McCoy is eliminated, with two other candidates still in the race.

They include business consultant Rajiv Chaudhri — who has also nominated for Kellyville — and The Hills Deputy Mayor Mark Hodges.

A right-wing source claimed many of Mr McCoy’s supporters would shift their support to Mr Hodges should their preferred candidate be eliminated.

For Mr Elliott to join the race, the Liberal Party would also have to reopen nominations — a move that could also invite other candidates.

The development in Castle Hill followed the ousting of sitting MP Melanie Gibbons from the seat of Holsworthy, with Tina Ayyad, who is the wife of Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, winning preselection.

Senior Liberals were yesterday scrambling to save Ms Gibbons’ career by finding her a spot in the Upper House. But it is understood installing her there would take 90 per cent support from the NSW state executive.

Ms Gibbons is on a promise for a ministry, after agreeing to pull her nomination from the federal seat of Hughes earlier this year.

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