Dubbo MP Troy Grant has put months of speculation aside, announcing he intends to seek preselection as the Nationals candidate for the 2019 state election.
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And his first potential foe in the race for the seat has come forward, with Dubbo Regional councillor Stephen Lawrence signalling his intention to seek preselection from the Labor Party.
There had been rumblings that the former deputy premier could potentially step away from politics and not seek a third term as the Member for Dubbo.
Back in October, he told the Daily Liberal he would wait until about a year out from the March 2019 poll before making a decision, and that any decision would have to come with the blessing of his family.
“I’ve said publicly before that I will make my mind up 12 months out from the election,” he said at the time.
“I will speak with my family and work out what is best for us, because it’s a four-year commitment and I’m not someone who would cause a byelection half-way through a term.
“I saw some industry polling recently which was done with several candidates included, including Ben Shields and Mathew Dickerson, and my primary was sitting at 63 per cent in that polling.
“I have no fears about losing the seat of Dubbo, and whether I run or not has nothing to do with that.
While he was non-committal three months ago, Mr Grant ensured any rumour and innuendo over his intentions were put to bed on Tuesday.
“The selection of National Party candidates is a matter for local party members,” he said.
“This is an open and democratic process, and the Nationals are the only major party to give all local members a say in who represents them.
“The party has determined that pre-selections in electorates with sitting members who are not retiring will be held between July and September 2018.
“I look forward to the opportunity to put myself forward to local National Party members at that time. I have commenced the process of building my team in preparation for the campaign.”
Mr Grant has been the Member for Dubbo since 2011, when he claimed the seat from Independent candidate Dawn Fardell, beating Labor’s Andrew Brooks and The Greens’ Matt Parmeter in the process.
In 2015 he prevailed over Mr Parmeter, Mr Lawrence and Independent Colin Hamilton.
“Being elected by the people of Dubbo to represent them on Macquarie Street is an enormous privilege, and something that I will never take for granted,” he said.
“I am extremely proud of what I have delivered for the Dubbo electorate during my time as local member.
“Our community has seen record investment in local infrastructure and services, including hospital redevelopments, road upgrades, and education spending.
“Our communities were neglected before 2011 by the Labor Government, which ignored our Independent Member of Parliament, and I have worked tirelessly since my first day in the job to secure our fair share.
“I hope constituents will look at how Dubbo has improved over the last seven years when considering how to vote at the next election.
“I remain focused on delivering for our communities as we approach the 2019 election.