Former premier Paul Lennon throws his support behind Dean Winter and Janie Finlay

Labor needs to target Franklin, “the most open seat in the state”, if it hopes to win the election, according to a former leader, who has also revealed the candidates the party must select.

FORMER Premier Paul Lennon is imploring the Labor Party to put aside factional fighting and back Kingborough mayor Dean Winter to stand in Franklin at the May 1 election.

“Dean is exactly the sort of person Rebecca White needs on her team to improve Labor’s chances at this election,” Mr Lennon said.

“He has a big political future waiting for him. He would pull votes as he’s already demonstrated when he was elected mayor of Kingborough.”

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Mr Winter has not endeared himself to Labor’s powerful left faction, which instigated changes to party rules in a bid to stymie his nomination.

Mr Lennon, a former member for Franklin, has also thrown his support behind former Launceston mayor Janie Finlay to run for Labor in Bass.

Mr Winter, 35, a former Labor economics adviser, romped home with almost half the vote in a four-person race to be elected Kingborough mayor in 2018.

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter could attract new votes to the Labor Party, former premier Paul Lennon believes. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Lennon said he was encouraging Mr Winter to stand.

“He is someone the community would have confidence in,” he said.

“The party needs to get behind Rebecca because elections are a time to close ranks.

“It is not a time for internal Labor factional manoeuvrings.

“People have to see Labor as a viable alternative to this government and Rebecca needs the best team she can assemble.”

Mr Lennon, who was premier for four years from 2004, said Franklin had been a Labor stronghold and with the departure of former premier Will Hodgman it was wide open.

“Franklin is the most open seat in the state,” he said.

“Dean is committed to serving, he’s young, he’s bright and he has had experience in the political system. He would attract new votes for Labor and that is exactly what they need.”

Former Tasmanian premier Paul Lennon says Labor needs to end its “internal factional manoeuvrings”. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Mr Lennon is also encouraging Ms Finlay who will seek pre-selection in Bass.

In 2002, when she was elected mayor of Launceston aged 27, she was the youngest female mayor in Australia.

A Launceston councillor, she stood last year as an independent for the seat of Rosevears in the Legislative Council, losing by just 260 votes to Jo Palmer.

Mr Lennon said Ms Finlay also had a bright political future.

“Labor performed very poorly in Bass at the last state election and Janie would add strength to the team up there,” he said.

“She has progressive views and will fit in well.”

Mr Lennon has not given up on Labor gaining power at the May 1 election.

“You’ve always got a chance in an election but to have any chance you have to have your best team and as leader you have to impose your will at crucial times,” he said.