20 hours Ago By Glen Humphries
The Nationals' Whitlam candidate Katrina Hodgkinson has pulled out, in an apparent attempt to clear the way for the Liberals' Benjamin Britton. SALE ON NOW! Tap into unlimited access Login or signup to continue reading The former state MP and minister announced her candidacy at Shell Cove in February and believed she had a better chance of winning than Mr Britton. "We will share many of the same ideals, but I believe that I'm a stronger candidate," Ms Hodgkinson said at the launch.
However, she has now told the Nationals that she would not be lodging her nomination. In a statement, she said "it was the last thing on my mind" when the Nationals asked her to run but did so because of the "hardship that families and small businesses" in Whitlam were facing. "Since then, it has become clear that the campaign for Whitlam will be between the Labor and Liberal parties, and I want to do everything I can to help enable a change of this seat and the whole of government to the Coalition," Ms Hodgkinson said.
"Therefore, I have decided that I will step aside from the role of candidate in order to keep the focus on the main game, and that is to win government for the Coalition at this election." It is unknown whether the Nationals will field a replacement candidate in Whitlam. I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers.
I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading. I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers.
I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading. More from Latest News Newsletters & Alerts Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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