New poll predicts Allegra Spender will defeat Dave Sharma in Wentworth 2022 federal election

Controversial Teal independent Allegra Spender has revealed polling commissioned by her team says she will unseat incumbent Liberal opponent Dave Sharma.

Teal independent Allegra Spender has revealed polling commissioned by her team suggests she could defeat her Liberal opponent Dave Sharma.

Spender revealed the existence of the poll to the Wentworth Courier when she was asked for a comment on last week’s explosive YouGov poll, commissioned by The Daily Telegraph, which predicted Labor would take power but Sharma would keep his seat after gaining 56 per cent of the two party preferred vote.

“Our polling suggests we’re on track to make history, but it’s going to be a close election where every vote counts,” Spender told the Wentworth Courier.

“Dave Sharma says one thing, but ultimately votes with Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce.

“He’s just too weak to stand up to Scott Morrison and demand Australia takes advantage of our single biggest economic opportunity: climate change.

“And he’s too weak to stand up to Scott Morrison and vote for a federal anti-corruption watchdog.

“I can’t sit by while our businesses, families and future are under threat from bad decisions made by a government that is out of touch.”

Allegra Spender is coming for Dave Sharma’s seat. Picture: Renee Nowytarger / Wentworth Courier

This morning, Spender emailed her supporters about the Redbridge poll.

“It showed Dave Sharma on a 36 per cent primary, and it showed me on a 33.3 per cent primary. Those figures put us on track for a 53-47 victory,” Spender wrote in the email.

“This is going to be very close.

“The problem is that since that poll was commissioned, Dave Sharma has gone all out. He has bombarded letterboxes with expensive mailouts, brought out-of-state Ministers to pre-poll stations, and last night had former Prime Minister John Howard robo-call everyone in the electorate.”

Spender told the Wentworth Courier that if elected she would not only champion climate change but vote for a federal integrity commission and measures small business owners are calling for like changes to skilled migration.

“The thing that surprised me most is that he (Sharma) put Clive Palmer’s party second on his how to vote cards – you can’t say you’re a moderate when you’re preferencing a science-denying coal miner?” Spender said.

“If Dave Sharma can’t get the job done – on climate change, on integrity, on refugees, and on an economy for the future – he needs to get out of the way and let someone who’s willing to step up and have a go.”

Dave Sharma said he is standing on his impeccable track record. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Sharma hit back with a compelling reason as to why he deserved number 1 on ballots.

“You know who I am. You know what I stand for. You know my track record. You know I will always put the people of Wentworth first. And you know I will have a seat at the decision-making table,” Sharma said.

“And if you want the Liberal party to look more like me, you need to support candidates like me and ensure we remain in parliament.

“Do not risk the uncertainty of independents, without clear agendas or policies, holding the government to ransom. That is no way to govern the country at a time of huge global uncertainty and challenge.”

With regards to the YouGov polling which appeared to be in his favour, Sharma said he would not be resting on his laurels.

“Wentworth has been a marginal seat since 2018. I take nothing for granted and work hard every day to be a good local representative, solve local issues, and deliver for the people of Wentworth,” Sharma said.

The moderate Liberal said he’d been overwhelmed with support at pre poll.

“I’m pleased with the positive reaction I’ve been receiving from constituents, who recognise that I’ve worked hard, that I’ve stood up for and delivered for the people of Wentworth, and that my experience as a diplomat and ambassador is valuable in this uncertain and challenging global period,” he said.

The Redbridge poll surveyed 1,117 Wentworth residents via automated calls and it has 3.7 per cent margin error.