VOTERS in the federal seat of Mallee could have a Melbourne Cup field of candidates to choose from at the upcoming federal election in the wake of Andrew Broad’s decision to quit politics.
Mr Broad, who lives with wife Rachel and their daughters at Red Cliffs, found himself at the centre of a sex scandal this week amid allegations he used a “sugar daddy” website to meet a younger woman in Hong Kong.
His decision to quit politics means the Nationals and Liberals could both field candidates for Mallee, while the contest could pave the way for independents to make a run.
Rupanyup farmer and former Yarriambiack mayor Ray Kingston has declared his intention to run while Mildura deputy mayor Jason Modica is also considering a tilt.
And there could be a battle among the Nationals for preselection with suggestions Senator Bridget McKenzie, who grew up in Benalla, could be interested in shifting to the lower house to further her leadership ambitions.
Others understood to be considering seeking preselection are former Victorian state MP Luke O’Sullivan, originally from Patchewollock, and Tania Chapman, the former chair of Citrus Australia who previously ran a Colignan citrus property.
While senior Nationals figures have questioned whether a three-cornered contest with the Liberals would waste resources, Mildura District Liberal branch president Russell Lamattina said: “We’ll aim to be ready early, whether we get the call or not.”
