Support for Frankston MP Geoff Shaw wanes as polls show Labor ahead in race to state election
SUPPORT for rogue Frankston state MP Geoff Shaw appears to have hit rock bottom with internal polling showing Labor slightly ahead.
Inner South
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SUPPORT for rogue Frankston state MP Geoff Shaw appears to have hit rock bottom with internal polling by the major parties showing Labor slightly ahead in the race for Frankston in November’s state election.
Sources said polling by both the Labor and Liberal parties had the ALP marginally in front, with sitting Liberal turned independent MP Geoff Shaw on 4 per cent.
It is understood the polling was done after former Labor candidate Helen Constas was forced to stand down amid allegations of workplace bullying.
Liberal candidate Sean Armistead said he did not focus on polls.
“I constantly work like I am behind ... you never rest on your laurels,” he said.
A spokesman for Mr Shaw, Simeon Lawson, said the MP did not want to comment.
But Mr Lawson questioned whether the polling was “rigorous and neutral”.
Labor candidate Paul Edbrooke said polls were generally only accurate for a short time, adding: “So much happens in a day of politics.’’
Independent candidate Mervyn Vogt, who is campaigning against smart meters, said the polling was designed to “undersell” independents such as him.
“I would have thought I have a pretty good chance (in the election),” he said.
Mr Vogt said he expected a backlash against the major parties in November and shoppers polled by Leader in central Frankston seemed to reflect that belief.
Alex, of Frankston, who didn’t want her surname printed, said she was nonplussed by the major parties.
“They’re not suitable as far as I am concerned,” she said.
Joyce, of Karingal, agreed. “I am not impressed with any of them,” she said.
Cheryl, of Frankston, said sitting MP Geoff Shaw had done a lot of good for the city.
But she said she would vote for Mr Armistead partly because he was a gentleman.
Labor voter Andrew, of Carrum Downs, said he would back the ALP because it cared for working families.
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