Former ABC journalist Zoe Daniel to run against Tim Wilson at next federal election

Zoe Daniel is set to run for federal parliament as a pro-climate independent in the Melbourne electorate of Goldstein.

Former ABC News US bureau chief Zoe Daniel is set to run at the next federal election.

Former ABC journalist Zoe Daniel is to run for federal parliament as a pro-climate independent, challenging Liberal MP Tim Wilson in the Melbourne electorate of ­Goldstein.

Ms Daniel, a former Washington correspondent and journalist of three decades, will be supported by the Voices for Goldstein group led by environmental philanthropist David Rothfield.

Mr Wilson accused Ms Daniel of being a “puppet” for “shadowy Labor and Greens activists pulling the strings”.

“Each election there’s single-issue candidates hoping they can get a hung parliament to create uncertainty and hold the nation hostage. This puppet candidate is no different,” Mr Wilson said.

Ms Daniel, who is currently a columnist for the New Daily website, said she was “no one’s puppet”. “Just ask my children, and in fact I have voted for Tim Wilson,” Ms Daniel said.

“What I am is independent and an honest voice for the people in the Goldstein who are seeking ­accountability, integrity, well thought out climate policy for a prosperous and stable future and transparent forward-focused economic management.

“It’s not personal. We can simply no longer rely on a local member who votes every time with Barnaby Joyce to be our voice in Canberra.”

Ms Daniel is yet another pro-climate independent targeting Liberal MPs in Melbourne and Sydney over the government’s ­climate change policy.

This week, Carla Zampatti’s daughter, Allegra Spender, announced she would run against Liberal MP Dave Sharma in the Sydney seat of Wentworth.