LNP campaign in Moncrieff under stress as Ciobo supporters ‘disappointed’ with Angie Bell

The LNP’s campaign in a safe federal Gold Coast seat is being quietly derailed by rogue supporters because they are ‘disappointed’ with its preselection candidate.

THE LNP’s campaign in the safe federal Gold Coast seat of Moncrieff is divided because some supporters of former MP Steve Ciobo remain disappointed about the preselection of Angie Bell.

The Bulletin has received calls from members who revealed a campaign manager had quit and Ciobo supporters are threatening to work booths in the neighbouring Forde electorate.

A senior LNP source told the Bulletin: “It’s just sour grapes among some members because Ciobo’s preferred candidate lost. The preselection included only 150-odd voters and there are 480 members in the Moncrieff branch and they are all behind Angie.

LNP CANDIDATE ANGIE BELL REVEALS POLITICAL PRIORITIES

“Get over it — if you want to take your bat and ball and go home then you are pretty pathetic.”

Ms Bell, a 51-year-old marketing expert and former LNP Women president, won a preselection vote against Ciobo staffer Karly Abbott by only two votes.

A party insider said Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates, the Coast’s LNP parliamentary leader, was supporting Ms Bell.

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Another party source said Mr Ciobo offered to introduce Ms Bell to potential party backers but she declined, uncomfortable because she was not his favoured candidate.

Ms Bates, who was with Ms Bell at Anzac Day events, yesterday described her as “enthusiastic and a breath of fresh air”.

Under party rules, Ms Bell cannot provide comment about internal party issues during the election campaign

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“She is taking nothing for granted in Moncrieff and is a pleasure to work with,” she said.

The LNP holds the seat by a hefty 18 per cent margin, with Mr Ciobo gaining a 3.28 per cent swing at the 2016 election.

Labor does not expect to win Moncrieff and is focusing its resources on the marginal seat of Forde. But party analysts believe the infighting could erode Mr Ciobo’s large margin.

Gold Coast-based Labor senator Murray Watt said reports about LNP branch bickering reflected an arrogant attitude the LNP had towards the Coast for years.

“Their sense of entitlement knows no bounds and this is more proof that they just take the Gold Coast for granted,” he said.

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“I think this is an unnecessary distraction for the LNP, in what should be a very safe LNP seat. The chaos in the LNP on the Gold Coast simply reflects the chaos we’ve seen from the LNP in Canberra for the past six years.”

Bonney state MP Sam O’Connor, who has been doorknocking with Ms Bell, predicts the new candidate will have a huge presence at the booths.

“Angie has been working hard and going to the opening of an envelope in this campaign. People’s reactions have been really positive,” he said.

“I’ve been proud to get out and about with her from doorknocking, and having her come along to the Southport Chamber’s Spit masterplan discussion.

“Voting starts next week and we’ll have a big presence on the polling booths, including my own parents who will be handing out for Angie at Southport State High.”