Fiona Martin to replace Craig Laundy in Reid

fedeChild psychologist Fiona Martin is set to replace Craig Laundy as the Liberal candidate for the Sydney seat of Reid.

Fiona Martin.

Child psychologist Fiona Martin is set to replace Craig Laundy as the Liberal candidate for the Sydney seat of Reid, with her preselection expected to be endorsed by the party’s NSW state executive as early as tomorrow.

Senior Liberal figures have confirmed Dr Martin’s preselection nomination has progressed to its final stages and has won the backing of Scott Morrison.

Liberal powerbrokers said she had a strong connection to the electorate and a media profile through her psychology work.

Liberal member for Reid Craig Laundy. Picture: AAP

Dr Martin has beaten out psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed and the party’s state election candidate for Kogarah, Scott Yung.

Former NSW deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas turned down an offer to run for the Liberals in the seat, as did ABC presenter Stan Grant.

Dr Martin will face a tough fight against Labor candidate Sam Crosby, with the seat held on a margin of 4.7 per cent.

Mr Laundy, a key backer of Malcolm Turnbull, last month finally announced he would not recontest the seat and go back into private enterprise.