Georgia Ryburn and Bill Calcraft are the two Liberals fighting for Manly votes at local election

A young Liberal has won the preselection to represent Manly in a surprise upset. A rugby great will also be on the ticket for the September 4 local election.

A 29-year-old high flyer is the surprise new candidate for Manly – and a former Australian rugby international will run as her number two.

Georgia Ryburn, 29, of Balgowlah, is a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers and is regarded as part of a new young wave of Liberals coming up through the ranks.

The former St Luke’s Grammar School girl won the top billing in a tightly fought contest on Friday and promises to bring an “energised” focus to issues in Manly.

“Georgia represents a new generation of Liberals in the same vanguard as James Griffin,” a party source said.

“Young, dynamic and with moderate views that are in sync with Manly.”

Georgia Ryburn won the Liberal preselection in Manly. Picture: Supplied.

However, her win was a surprise, many thinking influential moderate party member Lee Furlong, President of the Warringah federal electoral conference, would win.

Jonathan Flegg and Doug Price were also vying for the top spot.

Mr Furlong won the first round with 120 votes to Ms Ryburn’s 119, but after preferences she achieved 223 votes to Mr Furlong’s 127.

One source said the new preselection process which sees all Liberal members of two years or more allowed to vote instead of just the delegates, shows that it is harder for the factions to shore up a win.

Lee Furlong, director of the NSW Taxi Council and Vice Presidents of the Liberal Warringah Federal Electoral Conference. Picture: Facebook.

The same process will be used for the Warringah federal preselection later this year.

Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, who does not give political references for local candidates made an exception for Ms Ryburn.

In a glowing reference in the run up to the vote, he called her an “inspirational, young woman”.

The Manly Daily understands former Wallaby Bill Calcraft, 60, of Freshwater will run as her number two.

The Liberals are seeking a third name for the Manly ticket too.

Mr Calcraft, who is well known for his sporting achievements, has also worked in private equity in London and is a veteran in renewable energy technologies.

Bill Calcraft, former Australian rugby international and businessman, is the number two on the Liberal's Manly ticket. Picture: Supplied.

Rory Amon, Liberal will be the Liberal candidate for Pittwater at the next election. Adam Yip/ Manly Daily

He has previous put himself forward for Liberal preselection for the Manly state seat, which was won by James Griffin, and Bronwyn Bishop’s federal seat, which was won by Jason Falinski.

Meanwhile, the other preselection in Pittwater which was also held online on Friday, saw Rory Amon, currently representing Narrabeen, and Doug Price fight it out for the top spot.

Cr Amon won very comfortably, 292 votes to Mr Price’s 45.

Mr Price, who put his name forward for both Manly and Pittwater, came last in both contests.

It is understood Karina Page, who has a background in retail and management, and is a certified bookkeeper, will run as Cr Amon’s number two in Pittwater.

She served on Manly Council from 1996 to 2003, but now lives in Mona Vale.

All candidates have yet to be formally ratified by the party.

Other parties including Your Northern Beaches Independent Team which will field 15 candidates, Good For Manly and Greens Party will be announcing who will be running under their name in the next week or so.