Retiring Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis throws support behind Nationals candidate

Retiring Liberal MP Ann Sudmalis has gone against the Prime Minister’s pick for the seat of Gilmore, instead throwing her support behind the Nationals candidate.

Katrina Hodgkinson with retiring Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis and former Liberal members for Gilmore John Sharp and Jo Gash.

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Retiring Liberal MP Ann Sudmalis has gone against the Prime Minister’s pick for the seat of Gilmore, instead throwing her support behind the Nationals candidate.

Former Labor boss Warren Mundine was parachuted into the electorate by Scott Morrison earlier this year, but rather than supporting a fellow Liberal, Ms Sudmalis has officially endorsed Nationals’ candidate Katrina Hodgkinson.

Ms Sudmalis announced she was stepping away from politics last last year, blaming her decision on branch staking and bullying within the party.

Former Liberal members for Gilmore John Sharp and Jo Gash also offered their support for Ms Hodgkinson on Tuesday.

“Katrina is hands down one of the best local members we have seen in this state and I am thrilled for the people of Gilmore that she wants to represent the community in the next federal parliament,” Ms Gash said.

“She has more than 20 years’ experience serving and fighting for locals in the NSW parliament and I know she will be an outstanding representative for our community.”

Former Prime Minister John Howard is set to visit the Gilmore electorate on Wednesday to officially endorse Mr Mundine’s candidacy.

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