Victorian election 2022: Annabelle Cleeland part of new Spring St generation

Annabelle Cleeland is one of several new regional MPs set to hit Spring Street this month.

Frombreaking news to making news, Annabelle Cleeland is part of a new generation off to Spring Street this month.

The former journalist is one of several new regional MPs born in the 1980s and ‘90s elected over the weekend, with the 33-year-old winning the Euroa constituency for the National Party.

“Winning a seat in parliament is overwhelming to say the least. I’m still processing it all,” Ms Cleeland said.

The Tarcombe resident was preselected as the National Party’s Euroa candidate in August to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former deputy leader Steph Ryan.

Ms Cleeland won nearly 35 per cent of the primary vote in a three-horse race against Labor candidate Angela Tough on 30 per cent and Liberal candidate Brad Hearn on 21 per cent.

National Party state president Neil Pankhurst said Ms Cleeland would provide a fresh perspective in Spring Street.

“The success of Annabelle shows how the National Party is committed to preselecting new, talented people to represent regional seats,” he said.

Annabelle Cleeland and husband David. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Joining Ms Cleeland as part of the new Spring Street intake is new Ripon Labor MP Martha Haylett, Lara Labor MP Ella George, Shepparton Nats MP Kim O’Keefe, Mildura Nats MP Jade Benham and Morwell Nats MP Martin Cameron.

As of Monday afternoon, Mr Cameron was well ahead on the two-party preferred vote, with 55 per cent to Labor candidate Kate Maxfield on nearly 45 per cent.

The former plumber said he had been confident heading in to Saturday’s poll, despite the seat being notionally Labor following redistribution.

“I think I offered something completely different to any other candidate that put their hand up,” Mr Cameron said.

“I offered more community than political views on how we’re going in the Valley and I think people resonated with that.”

Mr Cameron – who was not a member of the Nationals nor planned on entering politics before this campaign – said addressing the jobs crisis facing the timber industry, the transition to renewables, and fixing the “atrocious” roads in the region would be his top priorities.