Liberal Chisholm candidate Theo Zographos axed in favour of former MP Katie Allen

The Victorian Liberal Party has dumped its Chisholm candidate in favour of former MP Katie Allen, after the historic seat of Higgins was abolished in a redraw of electoral boundaries.

The Victorian Liberal Party has dumped its Chisholm candidate in favour of former MP Katie Allen, after the historic seat of Higgins was abolished in a redraw of electoral boundaries.

The party’s administrative committee met on Sunday to re-endorse 21 candidates, including Amelia Hamer in Kooyong, after the Victorian federal redistribution was finalised last week.

But Liberal candidate for Chisholm, Theo Zographos, will be replaced by Dr Allen.

The change comes after at least 30 per cent of Higgins – the seat she was preselected to clawback following her 2022 election defeat – will move into Chisholm.

Katie Allen will replace Liberal candidate for Chisholm Theo Zographos. Picture: Aaron Francis

Labor MP Carina Garland held Chisholm with a 6.4 per cent margin prior to the boundary changes, but ABC election analyst Antony Green believes the margin could halve to 3.2 per cent.

A Victorian Liberal Party spokesman said Dr Allen was a “tireless worker and advocate for families”.

“As a pediatrician she understands the importance (of) the integration of health, education and financial security for the welfare of families,” he said.

“We know she will work her hardest to change the government and get Australia back on track.

Dr Allen was described as a ‘tireless worker and advocate for families’. Picture: Simone Schroeder

“Theo Zographos has made a substantial contribution to promoting the Party’s cause, and we are very grateful to him for his hard work.”

Dr Allen said she was “deeply honoured” for the opportunity to represent the Liberal Party, and would work hard to listen to the community and “hopefully be their representative at the next federal election”.

“Theo is an incredible candidate and has a bright future,” she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited a childcare centre in the electorate on Friday.

It comes as Labor is expected to pick Alice Jordan-Baird for retiring MP Brendan O’Connor’s seat of Gorton.