Another candidate,former Liberal staffer Matt Cross who has worked for premiers Barry O’Farrell and Mike Baird,as well as an electorate officer to Gladys Berejiklian,is also eager to run in Davidson and has been working on his tilt for the northern Sydney seat for five years.
Ward,who is one of only three female state Liberal ministers,was also touted as a possible candidate for the federal electorate of Warringah at the last election,which is held by independent MP Zali Steggall.
Ward would not comment on her plans but sources close to her,who would only speak on the condition of anonymity,confirmed she was considering nominating because she wanted to provide a “strong moderate female Liberal voice in the lower house”.
She is seen as a potential leader,although several sources in the moderate faction said Ward and Treasurer Matt Kean,who leads the faction,do not get on,and he would never support her to take on the leadership if a vacancy arose.
Perrottet has made it clear that he does not want a repeat of the federal preselection debacle.
Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman is the only female Liberal cabinet member in the lower house after former fair trading minister Eleni Petinos was sacked last month amid workplace bullying allegations,which she denies.
Liberal nominations have closed in 14 seats,with candidates now being assessed by the party’s nomination review committee. Other seats,including those on safe margins such Vaucluse and Pittwater,have not yet opened nominations.