Jodi McKay: Front runners to replace Strathfield MP revealed

There are reportedly three frontrunners being touted to replace Jodi McKay in the seat of Strathfield after her shock resignation at the weekend. SEE THEM HERE.

After the shock resignation of former opposition leader Jodi McKay Labor factions and inner west branches of the ALP are frantically scouring the working class heartland for a candidate.

Ms McKay announced she would be leaving state politics at the weekend, vacating the seat of Strathfield she held with a 5 per cent margin.

Party insiders have said one potential candidate being considered to run in the coming by-election is former NSW Young Labor stalwart Sravya Abbineni.

Potential Labor candidate for Strathfield Sravya Abbineni, a former young Labor secretary

Ms Abbineni, who worked for Jodi McKay, was formerly the party’s youth arm secretary and unsuccessfully made a run to be on Strathfield Council in 2017.

Another name doing the rounds is longtime Burwood mayor John Faker, who fought the state government and vocally opposed the harsh restrictions imposed on his council area during the Greater Sydney lockdown.

Cr Faker is understood to have strong local support to run in the coming by-election but said he was “still thinking” about whether to run.

“I am thinking about it I won’t lie,” he said on Tuesday.

Burwood Mayor John Faker, who is considering running in the seat of Strathfield. Picture: Julian Andrews

“It’s something you have to think about because you’re filling the shoes of someone who was the best state MP we’ve had. She was a great champion for our community.

“It’s important we have time to reflect on that.

“I’ve been praying for guidance and speaking to community leaders.”

The third name rumoured to be considered Labor’s candidate is Jennifer Light, who was earlier this year installed as the party’s national assistant secretary.

ALP national assistant secretary Jennifer Light.

Ms Light is a former parliamentary adviser to ex-Macarthur federal MP Mike Freelander.

Jodi McKay has yet to reveal why she chose to resign or directly speak to her inner west electorate about the decision.

“I have been fortunate to have represented two NSW electorates, been minister and shadow minister and until recently leader of the NSW Labor Party,” Ms McKay said in a statement.

“I have always been true to myself and my principles and have stood up for what is right, regardless of the consequences.”

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