Rory Amon: Northern Beaches Liberals call urgent ‘crisis’ meeting amid Pittwater election loss fear

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has been called upon to “rally the troops” when Liberal heavyweights meet on the northern beaches in an effort to stave off defeat at the Pittwater by-election.

Claire Longley (left) and Georgia Ryburn (right), are possible Liberal Party preselection candidates for the October 19 Pittwater by-election. Michael Gencher (centre) conformed he had nominated for preselection.

Liberal heavyweights are set to attend an urgent “crisis” meeting on the northern beaches on Thursday night, amid fears the party will lose next month’s Pittwater by-election.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has even been called in to “rally the troops” ahead of the October 19 poll.

The “call to arms” follows the resignation of Liberal Pittwater MP Rory Amon last Friday, when he was charged with 10 child sex offences. Amon said he would defend the charges.

But some party insiders say the Liberals have no chance of winning the by-election, especially with a likely challenge from a “teal” independent.

At the March 2023 state election, Amon scraped to victory by just 606 two-party preferred votes against “teal” Jacqui Scruby, who is considering running again.

The former MP for Pittwater, Rory Amon. Picture: Instagram.

The NSW Liberals have called for nominations from members seeking to be preselected as the party’s by-election candidate, with contenders required to lodge nominations by 5pm on Tuesday.

Northern Beaches councillor Michael Gencher, who lives in the state electorate, confirmed on Tuesday afternoon he had put his name forward for preselection.

There has been also been internal party chatter that outgoing Northern Beaches deputy mayor Georgia Ryburn, who lives outside the electorate, may nominate.

Support was also growing for lawyer Claire Longley, the daughter of former Pittwater MP Jim Longley, to put her name forward.

Mr Gencher said he nominated “because our community is at a critical crossroads due to the upcoming by-election”.

“We need a representative who truly understands its character and unique needs from day one.

“Pittwater is more than just where I live, where I raise my kids; it’s where I’ve built my life, formed lasting friendships, relationships, and committed myself to serving the community I love.”

Mr Gencher said he had “deep ties to local sports clubs, surf clubs, schools and community groups.

“They are more than just connections — they are relationships founded on trust, mutual respect, and outcomes.

“Our community deserves a representative who can hit the ground running, someone who has already been working with the community, and on the solutions we need.”

Members of the Pittwater State Electoral Council (SEC) have been called to the Thursday night meeting at the exclusive Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay at Newport.

NSW Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman with former MP Rory Amon. Picture: Supplied

In an email to local party members on Tuesday, Pittwater SEC president Stu Cameron said Mr Speakman would be present.

“I am drawing a hard line under the events of the last few days and seek your support to plan and execute a campaign for the Pittwater by-election,” Mr Cameron wrote.

“It is essential that we lead by example, and present the Pittwater Electorate an organised, energised and positive Liberal Candidate and team.

“I look forward to seeing you on Thursday night to discuss what must occur in the coming weeks,” Mr Cameron wrote.

A party insider said the northern beaches Liberals were in “crisis” and “still in shock” at the Amon allegations.

“They’re still grieving his loss. They’re bewildered by all this,” the insider said.

“Rory was an influential figure in the party here.

“But the party knows it has to get up, dust itself off and make an effort to win Pittwater.

“Thursday night’s meeting is a call to arms.”

The insider suggested the Opposition leader had been invited to the Newport meeting to “rally the troops”.