North Shore Liberal Party preselection: Sitting MP Felicity Wilson challenged by Tim James
THE battlelines have been drawn for a rematch between sitting MP Felicity Wilson and Tim James for Liberal Party preselection in the blue-ribbon seat of North Shore to contest next year’s state election.
Mosman
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THE battlelines have been drawn today for a high-stakes rematch between sitting North Shore MP Felicity Wilson and her old foe, Tim James, for Liberal Party preselection to contest next year’s state election.
The Moderate-aligned Ms Wilson edged Mr James, from the party’s Right wing, 104-98 in a marathon 2017 preselection battle over five rounds and four hours after former health minister Jillian Skinner quit politics.
Mr James, a former chief of staff to Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, confirmed he had tossed his hat in the ring again at the close of nominations at 5pm today.
“I’m pleased and excited to confirm my nomination; my commitment to the local area, the community I’ve lived in, loved and served for the past 15 years is stronger than ever,” he said.
Asked if he had been encouraged by local branch members to run against the sitting MP, who has the strong backing of Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Mr James said with a dead bat: “I only want to run a positive and professional campaign.
“I’m not going to commentate in relation to the sitting member. I recognise her service and work, and as to her future, that’s a matter for the local party members.”
Pressed on whether there was bad blood between he and Ms Wilson, the Mosmanite added: “No member has a monopoly on preselection.
“This is a process that is open to party members at every election. In the end this is about the community and the party putting forward the best candidate to represent the community.”
Ms Wilson also confirmed her nomination this afternoon to “again represent my community”.
“My sole focus continues to be working hard and delivering for our community,” she said in a statement.
“In a short 18 months, I have achieved many positive outcomes for our community, from new and upgraded schools, to funding for the (Beaches) Tunnel, increases in public transport services, and protections for our local environment.
“I am grateful for the ongoing support of the Premier and the opportunity to be part of a strong Liberal Government delivering so much for NSW.”
It is understood Mr James, a father of two young girls, is focused on three main issues: infrastructure improvements, particularly the Beaches Tunnel; removing demountables in schools; and ensuring the community’s heritage and environment was preserved.
It’s unclear if anyone else has nominated to enter the North Shore preselection race.
The looming stoush comes as Castle Hill MP Ray Williams is set to be challenged for preselection of his seat by fellow Liberal MP and Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet (Hawkesbury).