Liberal candidate Simon Kennedy opens up about campaign ahead of Cook by-election

The new Liberal candidate for Scott Morrison’s former seat Cook has revealed how he plans to win over those who believe he is an outsider parachuted in to claim the safe seat.

Simon Kennedy was campaigning at Ramsgate Beach shops ahead of the Cook by-election. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

The Liberal candidate lining up to replace former prime minister Scott Morrison has taken up digs in the southern Sydney electorate of Cook in an attempt to ward off concerns about him being parachuted into the seat.

In his first full interview since his shock preselection victory, Simon Kennedy told this publication he, along with his wife and two children, have moved to Woolooware in a bid to demonstrate his commitment to the region.

“Hopefully I am demonstrating to people of the electorate that I’m going to work hard,” Mr Kennedy told this publication.

“I’m going to listen to them, and going to hold the Labor government to account if elected,” he said.

“People are telling me the country is going in wrong direction right now, whether that is housing, real incomes, mortgages or energy.

“I want to hopefully demonstrate I am listening to that and that I have the skills and track record to advocate and fight for them on those issues.”

Simon Kennedy is in the box seat to replace Scott Morrison as the Member for Cook. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The one-time Bennelong hopeful and former McKinsey & Company partner, Kennedy won preselection convincingly against Sutherland Mayor Carmelo Pesce.

Mr Pesce was expected to win following Mr Morrison’s retirement from politics.

Cook voters will go to the polls on April 13 for the by-election with Labor and any other party yet to nominate candidates to contest the seat.

When asked why Cook voters should trust him not living locally until two weeks ago, Mr Kennedy said he wanted people to judge him based on his beliefs, values, skills, dedication, worth ethic and actions.

“I’ve been talking to a lot of people about my beliefs and what I will stand up for and hopefully that resonates,” he said.

“I been pleasantly surprised with how warm everyone been.”

Mr Kennedy won the Liberal preselection vote. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Mr Kennedy denied he was involved in offering other preselection candidates safe seats in a future elections if they withdrew from the ballot.

It is understood last ditch offers were made to Mr Pesce and Gwen Cherne in return for the promise of preselection for the state seat of Cronulla when Mark Speakman quits politics.

“Absolutely not,” Mr Kennedy said. “No one spoke on my behalf and I can’t promise anyone anything.”

He said winning the preselection vote – as decided by 300 Liberal locals – was a “power boost” into the local community and had started introductions with different groups in the community including at surf clubs and small businesses.

“By having a group of locals support me, saying this is our guy, I now have this great in to the rest of the community,” Mr Kennedy said.

Simon Kennedy with his wife Dr Nila Dharan and their two children.

Mr Kennedy has been on the hustings; at train stations, shopping centres, fates and a fun run.

He said the number one issue residents had discussed with him was cost of living pressures and also overpopulation with a lack of parking and heavy congestion on roads at Cronulla and around Sutherland Hospital.

Mr Kennedy said he wanted to become a Liberal politician because of his values and the way he had been raised.

“I come from a family of service and I’ve always had a sense of service in me,” he said. “I now have an opportunity to listen to people; represent, fight for and make decisions for them.”

Mr Kennedy said he grew up in the Bennelong area where his mother and stepfather were teachers, before he moved to Maroubra but also worked overseas.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison campaigned with Mr Kennedy when he was the candidate for Bennelong in 2022. Picture: Jason Edwards

He said his grandfather, a World War II veteran, had a major influence on his life, and instilled in him an appreciation for Australia, hard work and freedom.

Mr Kennedy said his wife Dr Nila Dharan worked in infectious diseases as a researcher and clinician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and it had been a family decision to nominate for the Cook electorate because they wanted to raise their kids in an area with a beautiful location and schools.

The couple met while he was worked in America for McKinsey after he spent almost a year in Haiti advising the government following the devastating earthquake.

Mr Kennedy said he was a “tragic sports fanatic” who loved to play soccer and tennis with his children when not surfing or watching rugby league.

He said he had dined multiple times at popular Cronulla restaurants and cafes and has loved visiting Wanda Beach.

Originally published as Liberal candidate Simon Kennedy opens up about campaign ahead of Cook by-election