In a bold bid to oust Labor's Noreen Hay from her Wollongong seat, the Liberals will direct their second preferences to Arthur Rorris - the former Labor man and prominent trade unionist turned independent.
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The extraordinary move, which will be announced today, means that Mr Rorris is likely to benefit through preferences from both the Liberals and the Greens, who will also direct their second preferences his way.
The Mercury understands that the Liberals did not seek any deals with Mr Rorris in exchange, nor notify him of their plan.
As one Liberal Party source put it: "This is to get rid of Noreen Hay. There was no deal with Arthur. We're doing this because we think he is the best chance to get rid of Noreen Hay."
Another Liberal source said: "Using a unionist to try and get rid of another, I never thought we'd ever do something like this.
"Only Noreen Hay could make us preference a unionist to take out another. If it can't be a Liberal, anything is better than Noreen."
Privately, however, some Liberals concede the plan is a long shot.
Wollongong is considered safe for Labor, with a margin of 9.3 per cent following the most recent redistribution.
"It's up to him [Mr Rorris]," said one. "Unless he can capture at least 20 per cent of the first preferences, this isn't going to help him."
Meantime, a Wollongong candidates' forum will be held at the Illawarra Yacht Club, Warrawong, on Tuesday at 7pm.
