Simon Kennedy Preselection Win: Liberal Party’s Choice for Cook Seat
Simon Kennedy emerged victorious in the Liberal Party’s preselection battle to compete for the federal seat of Cook, previously held by Scott Morrison with a significant 12 per cent margin.
Following Scott Morrison’s departure, the Liberal Party opted for former McKinsey consultant Simon Kennedy to represent them in the upcoming by-election.
Defeating three other contenders in a local party member vote on Monday night, Kennedy secured 158 votes after a lengthy two and a half-hour session.
With the ALP unlikely to field a candidate in the impending by-election, Kennedy is poised to step into the role as the newest member of the Liberal team in Canberra.
In the race for the party’s nomination, Carmelo Pesce, the mayor of Sutherland Shire, initially appeared as a strong contender, securing 90 votes and coming in second place. However, support for him, a millionaire businessman, dwindled in the days leading up to the decision. Gwen Cherne, a Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, was also in the running, backed by former Prime Minister John Howard, but only managed to garner 35 votes. Another candidate, Benjamin Britton, a veteran and former United Australia Party candidate, received 13 votes.
Transitioning to the local area, outgoing member Scott Morrison, alongside newly elected candidate Simon Kennedy, made their presence known. Despite not currently residing in the area, Mr. Kennedy reassured the electorate of his imminent move to Woolooware. On Tuesday, he was accompanied by Mr. Morrison, who shared his experience of relocating to Cook just a year before his election. Expressing enthusiasm for becoming a part of the community, Mr. Kennedy emphasized the expectations of the people of Cook.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison extended his congratulations to the new member for Cook, Simon Kennedy, highlighting the pressing issue of the cost of living crisis. Mr. Kennedy emphasized the need to advocate for the community, citing a recent conversation with a business in Kareela that had closed due to economic challenges. His commitment to standing up for the constituents on such critical matters was evident.
Simon Kennedy, who previously contested the Liberal nomination for Bennelong in the 2022 federal election, faced a tough battle in the seat previously held by John Howard and later vacated by John Alexander. Despite a significant swing against the Liberals, resulting in his loss to Labor’s Jerome Laxale, Mr. Kennedy’s perseverance paid off as he secured the preselection win in Cook, marking a new chapter in his political journey.
Examining Female Representation in Politics
Simon Kennedy’s victory in the preselection process may not sit well with advocates pushing for increased female representation in Canberra.
Following the vote, Charlotte Mortlock, the founder of Hilma’s Network dedicated to enhancing female representation, was reportedly in tears.
Among the candidates, Ms. Cherne stood as the sole female nominee.
During a recent statement, Mr. Morrison highlighted that the Liberal Party in southern Sydney boasts a balanced 50:50 male-female representation, with Jenny Ware serving as the Member for Hughes.
Mr. Morrison emphasized the importance of party members having a voice in the decision-making process, noting the significant support for Simon Kennedy in the recent vote.
Despite the record number of women appointed to his cabinet by Mr. Morrison, women currently constitute only about 30 percent of the federal Coalition party room. The Liberal Party’s appeal to female voters remains a significant challenge in the upcoming 2022 campaign.
It is essential to address the issue of gender representation in politics to ensure a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.
Gwen Cherne, endorsed by John Howard, stood out as the sole female nominee. Originally from the United States, Ms. Cherne engaged in various global development initiatives, notably in Afghanistan. It was in this country that she crossed paths with her late husband, Australian Sergeant Peter Cafe, who tragically passed away by suicide in 2017. In 2020, she assumed the position of Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner. Simon Kennedy preselection win was a significant event in her journey.
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Simon Kennedy Preselection Win: Party Decision and Future Elections
On Monday night, party members gathered to listen to pitches from all candidates and cast their votes. In cases where no candidate secures an absolute majority initially, the voting process is repeated with candidates gradually withdrawing. However, Mr. Kennedy managed to secure an outright majority, a rare occurrence in such situations.
Candidates are prohibited from engaging with the media until the entire selection process concludes, as per party regulations. Following an unsuccessful attempt to secure the Victorian Dunkley seat over the weekend, the upcoming Cook by-election is anticipated to be a more favorable competition for Peter Dutton’s party, given its strong Liberal standing. It is unlikely that the Labor party will field a candidate, as they are likely to conserve their resources for more promising battles.
Although the party’s decision is pending official confirmation, it is highly probable that the ALP headquarters will opt to retain their campaign funds for future winnable contests. The by-election date will be finalized by the speaker, Milton Dick, in consultation with the Australian Electoral Commission.
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