Kennedy wins preselection battle post-Morrison resignation
Simon Kennedy has emerged victorious in the Liberal Party’s preselection contest for the federal seat of Cook, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The 41-year-old former McKinsey consultant, who previously contended for the seat of Bennelong in 2022 but was unsuccessful, outpaced three other candidates in a vote among local party members, securing his position as the Liberal nominee.
Kennedy’s triumph in the preselection battle, which concluded with him receiving 158 votes after a nearly two-and-a-half-hour meeting, places him in a favourable position to claim the seat in the upcoming by-election. The Liberal Party’s stronghold on Cook, evidenced by a 12% margin, suggests a promising path for Kennedy towards becoming the next Liberal representative in Canberra.
Carmelo Pesce, the Mayor of Sutherland Shire and considered a formidable contender, came in second with 90 votes. Despite initial strong support, Pesce’s campaign saw a decline in backing in the days leading up to the vote. Other candidates in the fray included Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner Gwen Cherne, endorsed by former Prime Minister John Howard, and Benjamin Britton, a veteran and former United Australia Party candidate.
The selection of Kennedy, a seasoned political campaigner, underscores the Liberal Party’s strategic positioning ahead of the by-election. Despite his narrow loss in the 2022 federal election for Bennelong, Kennedy’s persistent engagement in the political arena has now been rewarded with the nomination for Cook.
This preselection outcome, however, has reignited discussions about female representation within the Liberal Party. With women constituting about 30% of the federal Coalition party room, the selection of Kennedy over the sole female nominee, Gwen Cherne, may pose challenges for the party’s appeal among female voters. Cherne’s notable background in international development and her role as Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner highlight the diversity of experiences within the candidate pool.
The seat of Cook, encompassing significant areas of the Sutherland Shire including Cronulla, remains a stronghold for the Liberals despite a swing against Morrison in the previous election. With its blue-ribbon status, the upcoming by-election is anticipated to be less contentious for Peter Dutton’s party, especially with Labor unlikely to field a candidate.
As the Liberal Party gears up for the by-election, the focus now shifts to the official campaign period and the strategies Kennedy will employ to consolidate support within Cook. The community awaits the announcement of the by-election date, set by the speaker in consultation with the Australian Electoral Commission, marking the next phase in this political contest.
