Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley eyes off Liberal Party president gig

Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley wants to be president of the Liberal Party to tackle the challenges of “a declining and disaffected membership”. DETAILS

Clarence City Council, Alderman Brendan Blomeley. Picture: Chris Kidd

Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley wants to be president of the Liberal Party to tackle the challenges of “a declining and disaffected membership”.

Mr Blomeley, who was elected mayor last year, is standing for the key position at next month’s Liberal state council meeting in Hobart.

In an email to party members this week, obtained by the Mercury, he seeks support “to serve” as president.

“At a time when we face many challenges, our party needs to be capably and professionally led,” Mr Blomeley wrote.

“The challenges are clear: we are in Opposition federally, we have lost two state MPs, we have lost a major branch in the northeast and we are dealing with a declining and disaffected membership.

“On top of that, we have a duty to ensure we regain majority Liberal government at the next state election.

Clarence Divisional Inspector Brett Barry and Mayor of Clarence Brendan Blomeley at Rosny bus mall, launching the Dob in a Hoon campaign. Picture: Linda Higginson

“It is to these challenges I would dedicate my service as state president.”

In the email Mr Blomeley directs members to a link of a presentation outlining his motivation and experience for the role.

However, the link has since been taken down.

Mr Blomeley, who is the chair of the party’s Franklin electorate committee, declined to comment on the link or his bid for president.

“As this is an internal policy matter, I’m not in a position to comment,” he said.

In the email he says: “If you would like to discuss my candidacy or share ideas on how we can improve our Party, please contact me.”

Current party president Chris Gatenby is stepping down and it is not known how many members will stand for the position.

One contender is believed to be former Franklin committee chair Michael McKenna, the director of chancery services and Catholic Archbishop Julian Porteous’s master of ceremonies.

Mr Blomeley was elected mayor at last year’s October local government elections replacing Doug Chipman, who was a former president of the Liberal Party.

After 22 years on council and 11 years as mayor, Mr Chipman decided not to stand again.

Fellow councillor Tony Mulder, who stood as mayor and is a former Liberal Party member, questioned Mr Blomeley’s decision.

“If Brendan was 100 percent committed to Clarence he would stop trying to build his political CV.

“Mayor is a full-time full term job and shouldn’t be used as a stepping stone.

“If elected Liberal Party President he should resign.”

The state council will kick off on Friday August 4 with a dinner expected to be attended by federal leader Peter Dutton before delegates debate motions on Saturday.