Christine Forster won’t run for Liberal in Wentworth

CHRISTINE Forster has withdrawn her name from the preselection race for the seat of Wentworth, previously held by Malcolm Turnbull.

TONY Abbott’s sister has pulled out of the Liberal preselection race for Malcolm Turnbull’s former Sydney seat amid fears it might stoke divisions within the party.

Christine Forster last week declared her intention to run for Liberal preselection in the blue ribbon seat of Wentworth after being encouraged by several party members and with the backing of her brother.

Councillor Christine Forster is no longer running for Malcolm Turnbull's former seat of Wentworth in Sydney's east. Picture: Toby Zerna

But the City of Sydney councillor said since announcing her candidacy, the commentary “has focused on the suggestion that it was a proxy for division within the Liberal party”.

“That is not the case, but to avoid any such perception, I will be standing aside and giving my full support to the successful candidate,” she posted on Facebook on Monday.

“I remain committed to doing everything I can to ensure we defeat Labor in the coming battles.” Mr Turnbull formally resigned on Friday but a date for a by-election has not been set.

With Ms Forster’s withdrawal, former Business Council of Australia executive director and same-sex marriage campaigner Andrew Bragg and former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma are the two leading candidates to replace Mr Turnbull as the Liberal candidate.

Labor has chosen local businessman Tim Murray.

I don’t know much about Wentworth, but surely Christine Forster was the Libs best chance to retain the electorate?

— Toby. The G is silent. (@Epigrammist) September 2, 2018

Christine Forster dropping preselection candidacy has a bit of a final nail in the coffin feeling.

— Tearquila (@Pyrovik) September 2, 2018

Yet another strong, noble woman steps aside. No male liberal candidates have stepped aside except MT: Christine Forster pulls out of Wentworth pre-selection race https://t.co/jmRul7jC1s

— Tamaitimauke (@Tamaitimauke1) September 2, 2018

Business owner and City of Sydney councillor Angela Vithoulkas is standing as an independent, while another City of Sydney councillor — independent Kerryn Phelps — is believed to also be considering a tilt.