Wentworth MP Kerryn Phelps offers no preferences on how to vote cards

After backflipping on preferences at the 2018 Wentworth by-election, independent MP Kerryn Phelps has decided to present voters with an open ballot when Australia votes on May 18.

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Wentworth MP Kerryn Phelps will not be directing preferences at the upcoming May 18 election in a major reversal of her position at last year’s by-election.

She told the Wentworth Courier she will keep an open ballot on her how-to-vote cards as pre-polling begins at early voting centres across the country today.

Dr Phelps said her “time in parliament” since her narrow win over Liberal Dave Sharma at last November’s by-election had played a role in her decision to not do preference deals with other parties.

Wentworth MP Kerryn Phelps at a pre-polling centre in Waverley today. Picture: Twitter/Margo Kingston

Last year Dr Phelps had initially told supporters to put the Liberals last but then changed position, asking voters preference Liberal Dave Sharma ahead of Labor’s Tim Murray through her how-to-vote cards — which she described as a tactical decision.

Dr Phelps said she had not had discussions regarding preferences with either of the major parties this time around.

“I actually think it (an open ballot) is a very important indicator of being an independent at a general election,” she said.

Wentworth Greens how-to-vote cards. Picture: Twitter/Margo Kingston

“It does not matter so long as people put a number one next to my name.”

The Greens are urging Wentworth voters to preference Dr Phelps second, ahead of Labor’s Tim Murray in third and Liberal Dave Sharma in fifth.

The ballot draw last week saw Dr Phelps take last spot on the ticket, in seventh, with Mr Sharma scoring a minor advantage drawing fifth on the ballot.

Labor's Wentworth how-to-vote cards for the 2019 election. Picture: Twitter/Tim Murray

The first name voters will see when they head to the polls on May 18 is independent Matthew Drake-Brockman, a former Greens Warringah candidate.

Dr Phelps wrestled the seat from the Liberals at the by-election as the 15th name on the ballot.

Labor’s Tim Murray’s how-to-vote cards have preferenced Dr Phelps in third, Mr Sharma in fourth and Dominic Wy Kanak of the Greens in second.