Former MP Tim Wilson announced as the Liberal Party’s Goldstein candidate

The Liberal Party has made a call on who will contest the seat held by Teal MP Zoe Daniel in what looms as a battle to watch at the next election.

Tim Wilson will face off against Zoe Daniel for the seat of Goldstein at the next election. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Former Liberal MP Tim Wilson has won a preselection battle for the seat of Goldstein, setting up a rematch with Teal MP Zoe Daniel at the next federal poll.

Mr Wilson will recontest the Bayside seat, which he held from 2016 to 2022, after fending off competition from lawyer Stephanie Hunt and Institute of Public Affairs researcher Colleen Harkin.

He is understood to have won 160-130 against Ms Harkin on the second ballot, with almost 300 members attending the event at Kingston Arts Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Wilson, who is studying a PhD in economics, said the community was facing enormous challenges like cost of living and home ownership getting further out of reach.

“Our community is facing enormous challenges like cost of living, and home ownership getting further out of reach,” Mr Wilson said.

Former Liberal MP Tim Wilson. Picture: Getty

Independent Zoe Daniel. Picture: Getty

“Households are under real cost of living pressure. Families are struggling to pay their mortgages. Grandparents are having to pick up their grandchildren’s school fees.

“I will fight every day to deliver real cost of living relief.”

Opposition finance spokeswoman, Senator Jane Hume, said Mr Wilson was an incredibly strong advocate for his community and a champion for freedom, opportunity, and a strong economy.

“He has a track record of being able to use his position to deliver real outcomes for the people of Goldstein,” Senator Hume said.

Mr Wilson, who was an assistant minister in the Morrison government, lost the 2022 election following a 12.3 per cent swing against him.

The party said his decision to run again was driven by his “deeply principled commitment to integrity in public service and his belief that the Goldstein community is worth fighting for”.

Ms Daniel holds the seat on a 2.87 per cent margin, making it a contest to watch at the next election.

The independent issued a message to voters following the Liberal Party’s endorsement of Mr Wilson.

“I remain very proud to be a community-backed Independent, acting in the best interest of my community, and I will run again,” Ms Daniel said.

“When the time comes, I would be honoured and grateful for your support to continue helping to create a new kind of politics in this country.

“In the meantime, work to do.”

The Liberal Party is facing a tough battle to win back the two seats it lost to the Teals.

On Saturday, it entrusted fintech executive Amelia Hamer to take on Teal MP Dr Monique Ryan in the fight to win back Kooyong, which is held on a 2.94 per cent margin.

The Oxford-educated finance professional beat Transgender Victoria chair Rochelle Pattison, Australia’s first female vascular surgeon Susan Morris and barrister Michael Flynn.

Ms Hamer, who is the grand-niece of former Premier Sir Rupert Hamer and granddaughter of former Victorian David Hamer, was the favourite for the candidacy after Josh Frydenberg announced he would not run again for the seat in Melbourne’s inner east.

The 31-year-old local said she was committed to being a voice for young Australians, ensuring that they had access to the same opportunities that past generations have had.

She also vowed to use her experience as a businesswoman who has worked across banking, venture capital and the technology sector, to help the Coalition restore strong economic management for all Australians.

“I will fight to put home ownership back on the agenda for young Australians by tackling housing affordability and cost of living pressures,” Ms Hamer said.

“I am running to serve my community, not with empty slogans, but by actually doing something for the residents of Kooyong.”