Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has secured the Liberal Party preselection for the Nepean by-election and taken leave from his councillor duties.
MPNews reported that Cr Marsh won comfortably in the first round with ten out of nineteen votes.
Cr Marsh now has less than ten weeks to campaign ahead of the May 2nd poll, replacing retired MP Sam Groth. His Facebook page has been retitled to Anthony Marsh – Liberal for Nepean.
The Council’s CEO Mark Stoermer has confirmed that Cr Marsh will take leave immediately, not performing any council duties or attending meetings until the by-election.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro will act as Mayor during this time.
MP News reported that long-time Liberal Party member and and endorsed Libertarian candidate Peter Angelico is the only other contender confirmed so far. It’s believed an Independent candidate is likely to join the race, however Labor is not expected to field a candidate.