Brendan Blomeley confirms he will run as Independent in Franklin at federal election

Until last year, Brendan Blomeley was a Liberal stalwart. Read why he’ll run as an independent taking on Labor’s Julie Collins in Franklin.

Mayoral candidate Alderman Brendan Blomeley Picture: Linda Higginson

Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley and former Liberal Party powerbroker has confirmed he will run as an independent in the seat of Franklin at this year’s federal election.

After weeks of speculation, Mr Blomeley, who joined the Liberal Party as a 16-year-old and was a member for 33 years before being expelled last year, said both major parties had “ignored Franklin for far too long”.

He told the Mercury he would continue as mayor during the election campaign.

“I have worked with council officers to implement a protocol to manage any perceived conflicts of interest that may arise during the campaign,” Mr Blomeley said.

It is the first time he has run for parliament after an unsuccessful bid to get Liberal Party pre-selection for a spot on the Senate ticket.

The former chair of the Liberals’ Franklin electorate committee, Mr Blomeley, was expelled for failing to immediately reject speculation he might run as an independent at last year’s state election.

Tasmanian Liberal Party presidency candidate Brendan Blomeley in his video pitch to "disaffected members". Brendan Blomeley hoping for Liberal Party State President of Tasmania

A peace plan was devised by Premier Jeremy Rockliff and other senior ministers to entice him back into the party but failed.

He was first elected to the Clarence Council in 2000, is currently CEO of the Tasmanian Racing Club, and said he was running on a platform of “working together, making a difference”.

“I love our community and like many, I am disillusioned by both major parties who have ignored Franklin for far too long.

“The Liberals have written the seat off as too hard, and Labor has taken voters for granted,

“I’ve decided to run, as Franklin deserves a strong, independent voice in Canberra who has the courage, determination, and proven ability to effectively advocate for the best interests of our community, not just parrot the party line.

“I have a proud record of rolling up my sleeves and working for the best interests of our community.”

“This hasn’t always been easy but having someone in their corner who has the courage to stand up and do what is right, is what the people of Franklin need, and deserve.”

Federal Labor minister Julie Collins and Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley at Clarendon Vale Oval. Picture: Elise Kaine

Mr Blomeley said the “duopoly of the old parties has not served us well” and he hoped voters needed to make Franklin a marginal seat.

“The soaring costs of living combined with the homelessness and rental crisis, the health crisis and ageing infrastructure that has not kept pace with growth in Franklin, is causing significant pain for many families and we deserve better, much better,” he said.

“If given the opportunity to serve, I will work night and day with our community, to improve our standard of living and secure our fair share of government investment in desperately needed community and social infrastructure across Franklin.”

Labor’s Julie Collins has held the seat since 2007.

The Liberals have endorsed Josh Garvin to stand and former ABC foreign correspondent and anti-salmon farming campaigner Peter George will run as an independent.

A date has not yet been set for the election.