Liberal candidate for Wentworth Dave Sharma on how he plans to win back the seat

The Liberal candidate for Wentworth Dave Sharma reveals what was said at his meeting with Malcolm Turnbull, why he’s not worried about those messages to Kerryn Phelps and how the next election will be different.

Dave Sharma enjoys a drink at his new local The Paddington Hotel. Picture: John Appleyard

Liberal candidate for Wentworth Dave Sharma and his family will move into their newly purchased Paddington home soon after Christmas following his endorsement by the NSW Liberal Party’s Executive on Friday night.

Mr Sharma said while he won’t be campaigning until the election is called, he and his family would be “active” in their new neighbourhood.

His eldest daughter has already been accepted at Ascham School in Edgecliff and his two youngest girls will attend Paddington Public School.

Dave with his wife Rachel and children Diana, 11, Daphne, 5, and Estella, 9, at Rushcutters Bay. Picture: AAP/Troy Snook.

The former diplomat confirmed he had been in contact with and even met face-to-face with the last Liberal to hold the seat, Malcolm Turnbull since the ousted Prime Minister’s return to Australia.

Mr Turnbull did not publicly back Mr Sharma during the last campaign and reportedly provided advice to Kerryn Phelps.

“I would always appreciate his support and advice but I’d also respect his right to be a private citizen and get involved with politics at the time of his choosing,” Mr Sharma said.

“I have seen him since he has been back and I have been in touch about Wentworth and I’ll continue to do that.”

Mr Sharma dismissed suggestions Mr Turnbull may have assisted Dr Phelps during the by-election.

“I wouldn’t think so no. I don’t have a suspicious mind, I’m not worried about it all,” Mr Sharma said.

“As I understand it he said and she said it was just about the local community and the electorate being well served by whoever is the representative.”

The Sharma family are looking forward to an eastern suburbs summer. Photo:AAP/Joel Carrett.

With regards to his chances at the general election, Mr Sharma thinks it will be an entirely different race.

“There was definitely a protest vote last time around and I expect that would have diminished although I am certainly not taking anything for granted — it is always tough to win back seats,” Mr Sharma said.

“There will be less national media focus, I think. Last time it was a by-election and obviously there was interest in the circumstances which it came about and the balance of power in the house depended on it.

“Now I feel people will have a longer period of time to get to know me organically.”