“The only candidate who can win back the seat for us is Gladys. She is a rockstar in the electorate.”
Liberal Party source with direct knowledge of the polling
Even though the ICAC report will not be made public before preselection nominations close on January 14,submissions from counsel assisting are due by December 20 – which should indicate to Ms Berejiklian where the findings are heading.
The delay in the closure of nominations for Warringah is specifically designed to give Ms Berejiklian more time to weigh her options. Senior Liberals acknowledge the significant risk of the former premier running,and then being subject to adverse findings.
But despite the cloud hanging over her head,NSW state Liberal MPs and federal counterparts said that Ms Berejiklian was the party’s best chance to win back the former Liberal stronghold of Warringah,which former prime minister Tony Abbott lost to independent Zali Steggall.
The party has conducted private polling in the seat to examine voters’ response to the potential candidacy of Ms Berejiklian,former premier Mike Baird - who has pushed back at suggestions he run - as well as possible candidates Jane Buncle,a barrister,and Alex Dore,a management consultant.
In the words of a Liberal with direct knowledge of the polling,“the only candidate who can win back the seat for us is Gladys. She is a rockstar in the electorate”.
“Her numbers were slightly down after the ICAC appearance but her favourability is still really strong.”