Jim Rishworth announced as Liberal candidate in southern suburbs seat of Kingston, held by cousin Labor minister Amanda Rishworth

There will be two Rishworths on the ballot paper when voters in the southern suburbs seat of Kingston head to the polls this year – so will it cause an issue?

Jim Rishworth has been announced as the Liberal candidate for Kingston. Picture: Kelly Barnes

There will be two Rishworths on the ballot paper when voters in the southern suburbs seat of Kingston head to the polls for the federal election this year.

Hallett Cove resident Jim Rishworth, 53, has been preselected by the Liberal Party to run in the electorate held by his cousin, Social Services Minister and Labor MP Amanda Rishworth.

But the match-up won’t make for awkward family dinners. When the pair cross paths on the campaign trail, it will be their first interaction in more than 25 years.

“There’s no real relationship there,” Mr Rishworth said.

“I think the fact we’re cousins does nothing more than generate a little bit of interest in that electorate but the reality is Amanda could be anybody and I would still be here putting my hand up because of the performance of the federal government.

“I want to see change and I think that I can make a difference.”

Amanda Rishworth Social Services Minister and Labor MP Amanda Rishworth. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Rishworth, who is married and has two adult daughters, began his working life as a welder at Holden and is now general manager of a South Australian construction company.

“I’m a results driven person and I thought, ‘I want to be able to bring this private sector thinking to government … so that money and support gets to where it’s needed’,” he said.

“Number 12 on Peter Dutton’s 12 priorities for a Coalition government is to cut government waste. I think every one of our other 11 priorities stems from that.”

He joined the Liberal Party two years ago and made the decision to run after becoming frustrated with the direction of the current government.

“Things have taken a downward turn, inflation is high, the economy is not in great shape, small businesses are closing their doors,” he said.

“I thought to myself ‘I’m going to put my hand up’. I have extensive experience in running businesses.”

Mr Rishworth has his work cut out for him, with his cousin having held the seat for the past 17 years and sitting currently on a comfortable margin of 16.4 per cent.

Kingston covers Hallett Cove in the north down to Maslin Beach, as well as inland suburbs including Hackham, Morphett Vale, Aberfoyle Park and Flagstaff Hill.

Ms Rishworth said she will be standing in the election “on my record as a local member who cares for and fights for my community every day”.

“Our families have not had anything to do with each other in decades,” she said.

“I don’t know anything about him. I don’t know anything about his values.”

She also addressed possible confusion caused by having two Rishworths on the ballot at the first general election since corflutes were banned in South Australia.

“I just hope the Liberal Party is not trying to be tricky because my community does not like being treated as mugs,” she said.

Originally published as Jim Rishworth announced as Liberal candidate in southern suburbs seat of Kingston, held by cousin Labor minister Amanda Rishworth