Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley may run as independent at state election

Another prominent Tasmanian Liberal may have caught the independent bug. He’s considering his next move.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley at Richmond. Picture: Chris Kidd

Clarence mayor and Liberal stalwart Brendan Blomeley hasn’t ruled out running as an independent at the state election.

Mr Blomeley confirmed on Thursday he had been approached to run in the seat of Franklin.

He did not seek Liberal Party pre-selection but was nominated from the floor of the preselection meeting last Sunday, after nominations had closed.

Mr Blomeley, who has been a party member for 33 years and is chair of the Franklin electorate committee, says he is considering his future.

City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley. Picture: Chris Kidd

“It’s flattering I have been asked but my focus is on fighting for the eastern shore,” he said.

“I was first elected to (Clarence) council 23 years ago and will always fight for what’s best for Clarence such as an expansion to the ferry service, the AFL High Performance Centre, and improving housing availability and public transport.

“We have to make sure southern Tasmania gets its fair share.

“I’ll be talking to my wife and our kids and friends before nominations close next Thursday.

“I’ve yet to determine what I might do.”

Mr Blomeley narrowly missed out on becoming party president last year and on being pre-selected for the Senate.

It is widely known in Liberal circles that he has locked horns with party director Peter Coulson and president Michael McKenna and is unhappy with some of “the northern faction power elites” of the party.

If he were to stand as an independent he would be following in the footsteps of former Liberal Speaker in the House of Assembly Sue Hickey and Hobart councillor Louise Elliot who are both former Liberals who will run as independents at the coming election.