Jim Molan clears way for local Liberal in Eden-Monaro
After speculation that he would nominate for preselection, Jim Molan has announced he won’t run in Eden-Monaro.
Jim Molan, the high-profile NSW Liberal Senator who has been mooted as a potential candidate for the vital Eden-Monaro by-election, has formally announced his intention not to run for the federal seat.
The Senator’s decision, following the withdrawal of NSW State Ministers John Barilaro and Andrew Constance after announcing they would contest the by-election, leaves the way clear for a local Liberal to stand against Labor.
Read Jim Molan’s statement here
Senator Molan had not said he would seek preselection for the by-election caused by the retirement of Labor’s Mike Kelly but there was speculation he would nominate at the last minute.
The dramatic withdrawal of NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance on Wednesday only 24-hours after he said he would run immediately shifted the spotlight back on to Senator Molan.
But the Senator has not changed his mind and is undergoing serious surgery on Thursday.
With the withdrawal of Mr Barilaro and Mr Constance and Senator Molan’s decision not to stand the Liberal candidate will be selected by a plebiscite of 142 Liberal Party members after the close of nominations on Friday ensuring a local candidate will be selected.
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