Malcolm Turnbull ally Sally Betts says she hopes her “great friend” stays on as Wentworth MP
CLOSE Malcolm Turnbull ally and longstanding eastern suburbs Liberal Sally Betts says her “great friend” is still loved and admired by the people of Wentworth and she hopes he remains as the local member.
Wentworth Courier
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CLOSE Malcolm Turnbull ally and longstanding eastern suburbs Liberal Sally Betts says her “great friend” is still loved and admired by the people of Wentworth and she hopes he remains as the local member.
Scott Morrison has just beat Peter Dutton in the Liberal leadership ballot meaning he will soon be Australia’s 30th Prime Minister.
Cr Betts, a Waverley councillor and former mayor, has worked for Mr Turnbull in the Wentworth electorate office for many years.
“He has huge support throughout Wentworth. He is greatly loved and admired,” Cr Betts said.
“He is no longer Prime Minister but he is still the member for Wentworth.
“He has huge support from all the local members of the Liberal party in the eastern suburbs. He is greatly loved and admired and he has our support whatever he decides.”
Believed to be the front runner for Liberal preselection in the seat of Wentworth is former Australian ambassador to Israel, Dave Sharma. Mr Sharma has also held senior public servant posts including as former First Assistant Secretary at Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and has worked at the Australian embassy in Washington DC.
Described as “Malcolm Turnbull’s Wentworth replacement” by the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday, Mr Sharma told The Australian “I wouldn’t think there was a vacancy yet. I wouldn’t feel right talking about it while the PM remains member for Wentworth.”
Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Foster has also confirmed to the Wentworth Courier she is considering a tilt at the seat.
Mr Turnbull’s son-in-law James Brown’s name has been raised before as a future Wentworth MP but Captain Brown, an Army veteran and president of the state RSL branch, has played down the suggestion.
“I have nothing to say on this topic other than that I am focused on completing my mission to fix RSL NSW,” Mr Brown told the Wentworth Courier.
Cr Betts would not be drawn on who may stand as the Liberal candidate for Wentworth should Mr Turnbull choose to step down.
“I think we would have a flurry of people put their hands up,” Cr Betts said.
“I suppose we are fortunate we have amazing highly qualified people who are members of the Liberal party in Wentworth.
“But for now, Malcolm is my member and I hope he stays that way.”