Revealed: LNP names Ciobo’s successor in Moncrieff preselection

The LNP have revealed who will be replacing Steven Ciobo in the Moncrieff preselection.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews, Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, Minister for Defence Industry Steven Ciobo, and Senator Amanda Stoker. Picture: Jerad Williams

MARKETING expert Angie Bell has won the highly contested Liberal Party battle to replace Steven Ciobo in the seat of Moncrieff.

In a shock win, Ms Bell beat out frontrunners Karly Abbott and Cameron Caldwell in the multi-round ballot, which was held at Carrara’s Emmanuel College today.

Ms Bell won on the final ballot 79-77 defeating Ms Abbott, a Ciobo staffer who the retiring MP had singled out in his valedictory speech on Thursday.

Congratulations to Angie Bell on being preselected for the LNP in the seat of Moncrieff. I look forward to campaigning alongside her, highlighting how the Morrison Government is delivering for Gold Coasters.

— Karen Andrews MP (@karenandrewsmp) April 6, 2019

Moncrieff, which Mr Ciobo has held since 2001, has as near 15 per cent margin.

Ms Bell, 51, has been a longstanding figure in conservative politics, having previously served as LNP Women president.

McPherson MP Karen Andrews said Ms Bell’s preselection was an “outstanding result for democracy”.

GOLD COAST FEDERAL MINISTER STEVEN CIOBO QUITS POLITICS

“She is very well regarded and has got both political experience from her work with the party and real world experience from her timing in marketing,” Ms Andrews told the Bulletin.

“She will be a fantastic candidate and I am delighted for her and to be working with her.

“I look forward to working closely with Angie and will do all I can to make sure she wins Moncrieff and wins it well.”

The result has shocked some party figures who had expected Ms Abbott to win the seat, having had Mr Ciobo’s endorsement and support from local branch members.