Minns rules out Sydney candidate for Wallsend seat
Premier says replacement for retiring Hornery must understand Hunter region and campaign hard.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has ruled out parachuting a Sydney candidate into Wallsend after retiring MP Sonia Hornery announced she would step down. Hornery held the Labor stronghold for 20 years.
Minns said on Wednesday the replacement must be someone from the Hunter who not only understands the region but is politically competent and ready to campaign in the four months before the election. The Labor Party is concerned about retaining all its Hunter seats.
Hornery's margin in Wallsend now stands at 31.8 per cent. Party rules likely mean a woman will be selected.
A final decision has not been made on whether head office will choose the candidate.
- 20 years
- Hornery's tenure
- 31.8 percent
- Current party margin
- 4 months
- Time to election
- Hornery asked to endorse pick
- Predecessor endorsement
Why it mattersShows the Labor Party is anxious about holding one of its safest seats heading into an election.
