Andrew Constance has shocked colleagues by pulling out of the Eden-Monaro byelection only a day after he put up his hand to contest the ultra-marginal seat for the federal Liberal party.
Constance confirmed his withdrawal from the contest in a statement, which acknowledged his about-face would confound people. “I appreciate people will be confused by my actions over the past couple of days, and for that I am sorry”.
The bombshell blindsided federal Liberals, who had championed his candidacy because of the positive profile the NSW transport minister gained during the summer of catastrophic bushfires. Constance said upon reflection it wasn’t time to switch arenas. “I need to remain focused on the bushfire recovery and be grateful for the opportunities I already have”.
Liberals in Canberra wanted Constance to contest the seat believing he would neutralise negative perceptions in the electorate of Scott Morrison’s handling of the bushfire emergency. His withdrawal throws the Coalition’s efforts to take Eden-Monaro from Labor into disarray.
The Liberals had hoped to gain the seat with a compelling “local champion” candidate, because Mike Kelly, the current Labor member, had a loyal personal following in the Bega valley. The Coalition federally has been tracking better with voters in recent months because it is perceived to have handled the coronavirus crisis competently.
Constance threw his hat in the ring on Tuesday after a rival Coalition candidate, the New South Wales deputy premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro, made an acrimonious exit from the contest. After the National withdrew from contention, Sky News reported text messages Barilaro sent to the federal Nationals leader Michael McCormack, reproaching him for failing to back his candidacy.
According to the Sky report, Barilaro texted McCormack on Monday, saying: “Your lack of public enthusiasm or support for my candidacy went a long way to my final decision. Don’t hide behind the members will choose the candidate rubbish, as you were the only one saying such lines.
“To feel threatened by me clearly shows you have failed your team and failed as a leader. You will never be acknowledged by me as our leader. You aren’t. You never will be.
“The Nats had a chance to create history, to change momentum, and you had a candidate that was prepared to risk everything to make it happen. What did you risk? Nothing. Hope you are proud of yourself”.
Sky News reported on Wednesday Barilaro would not re-enter the race. Guardian Australia has yet to confirm his intentions.
Laura Jayes
(@ljayes)Breaking:@JohnBarilaroMP says he will not be rethinking seeking preselection for Eden-Monaro
“My reasons remain the same. I can’t do it”
Adding “the well has been poisoned”@SkyNewsAust @aclennell @AndrewConstance
Labor’s national executive has installed Kristy McBain, the Bega Valley shire mayor, as its candidate for the contest. A date for the byelection has not been set.
The Labor leader Anthony Albanese plans to campaign with McBain on Thursday. Labor holds the seat on a 0.9% margin.
