Liberal Party pre-selection for the Senate: Brendan Blomeley tipped to nominate

Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley looks certain to nominate for Liberal Party pre-selection for the Senate, but two more figures are almost certain to nominate, sources say. Find out more.

Mayoral candidate Alderman Brendan Blomeley Picture: Linda Higginson

Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley looks certain to nominate for Liberal Party pre-selection for the Senate.

Nominations close on Friday and it is understood Mr Blomeley, who lost in his bid to become state president this year by just over a handful of votes to Michael McKenna, is talking to pre-selectors.

It is also believed that sitting senators Richard Colbeck and Claire Chandler will recontest their seats at the election due in 2025.

Under party rules they are unable to comment about pre-selections but Liberal sources say the three are almost certain to nominate.

A team of 67 pre-selectors will meet on November 25 to decide the Senate ticket.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley.

It is predicted that Senator Chandler, a conservative who has campaigned to ban transgender people from women’s sport, will take the number one spot.

“Claire has strong support and made a name for herself on transgender issues,” one senior source said.

“She’s done the work at the grassroots and been noticed nationally.

“If she gets number one, it will be on merit, not because she is a woman.”

Senator Chandler is assistant foreign affairs spokesperson.

Senator Colbeck, a former Tourism, Sport and Aged Care Minister, who was relegated to an unwinnable fifth Senate position in 2016 could snag the second spot assuring him of re-election.

“He’s a bit of a leftie and certainly a moderate,” another source said.

Mr Blomeley, who was elected Clarence mayor last year, is a hardworking party veteran of more than 30 years.

“Brendan is a conservative too but he’s in with a real chance,” one party member said.

“He only missed out on the presidency in August by eight votes.”

Susie Bower has already been named the Liberal’s Lyons candidate with Braddon to be decided on November 12, Bass on November 18 and Clark and Franklin by March 31 next year.

Labor Party secretary Stuart Benson said Labor had not yet started its federal pre-selection process and was instead focused on candidates for the next state election.

Long-serving senators Carol Brown and Catryna Bilyk are up for re-election.

Expressions of interest for Labor candidates for the next election, which will see an expanded 35-seat House of Assembly, close on Monday.

Greens party manager Debra Rees said pre-selection for the Greens’ lead Senate candidate would happen early in the new year.

Senator Nick McKim is up for re-election.