Angie Bell, Moncrieff candidate for LNP reveals she is gay after backlash from within party

The LNP candidate for Moncrieff has made a startling admission in the wake of a backlash from within her own party about details regarding her personal life.

ANGIE Bell is a business consultant to the best national retail brands, an author, one of the smartest business graduates at Griffith University, a lifesaver — and gay.

The 51-year-old LNP candidate for the Gold Coast seat of Moncrieff has been described by state and federal MPs as “a dream to work with” but after winning a tough preselection, faced a backlash from some losing factions.

The Bulletin was contacted by several LNP sources about debate being stirred up in the more conservative sections of the branch about Ms Bell’s personal life.

LNP candidate, Angie Bell. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Well, to be honest I wasn’t really aware of what was going on because I was focused on understanding my new role as a candidate and getting across the campaign and pulling all that together,” Ms Bell said yesterday, in her first ever profile interview.

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“I think my personal life is kind of irrelevant to the role, in that it’s never been something that defines who I am. There are far more interesting things about me than my relationship.

“I’m in a long and loving relationship with my partner of nearly 18 years. We have four beautiful stepchildren and two grandsons that bring much, much joy.

Ms Bell has revealed she is gay after backlash from within her own party over her personal life. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I think the people of Moncrieff and people of Australia understand that is only a small part of my life. My business life is far more relevant, my experience in many countries across the world, many other experiences that life has brought me is far more relevant to the role than my relationship.”

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Asked about the same sex marriage debate, about Tony Abbott’s position and how she would handle the personal and the political, Ms Bell was very clear.

“It’s like any job, isn’t it? When you go to work you leave your personal life at home. I don’t see it any different to that,” she said.

LNP candidate Angie Bell who won preselection for the seat of Moncrieff at the next election, with outgoing member Steven Ciobo. Pic Mike Batterham

“That is a plebiscite that has been voted on. Australia has decided to go with marriage equality. That was then, this is now, we are moving forward into the future. And my plan if elected is to represent the people of Moncrieff as best I can.”

Her focus was on improving conditions for small business, getting funding for sporting facilities for families and ensuring the Coast received its fair share of infrastructure funding.

“It will be disastrous for business on the Gold Coast if Bill Shorten gets in. I’ve worked as a consultant in small business, worked as a small business development manager across the country, I have a wide understanding of that,” Ms Bell said.

Retiring MP Steven Ciobo left Moncrieff with a margin of 14.6 per cent but Ms Bell rejects suggestions she could be a winner on election night and her party the loser.

“I don’t think that the federal government will be on the opposition benches. I really truly believe that Scott Morrison is doing a fantastic job — he’s passionate, he’s warm, he’s intelligent, he knows what he’s talking about, unlike Bill Shorten who doesn’t and has none of those properties,” she said.

“We’re very confident the Morrison Government will get across the line this election.”