Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has confirmed that he has formally applied for Liberal Party pre-selection, ahead of the upcoming by-election in the state seat of Nepean.
The seat has been vacated due to the retirement from politics of Sam Groth, the party’s former deputy leader.
Despite having previously ruled out running for parliament, Cr Marsh said in a statement posted to his Facebook page that he had received overwhelming encouragement from local members, community leaders and residents.
The decision to contest pre-selection has reportedly not gone down well with some Mornington Peninsula councillors.
The Age reported having seen a draft no-confidence motion to be raised at the council’s meeting on Tuesday night. The rumoured motion did not eventuate, and the council will not meet again until 17th March.
It’s believed the party will decide on its candidate for the seat on 24th February.