Larissa Mallinson.
A former Liberal candidate for the state seat of Shellharbour appears set to take on sitting Labor MP Stephen Jones at the next federal election.
Larissa Mallinson has been endorsed without opposition by local branches as the Liberal Party's candidate in Throsby, several party members confirmed.
Her endorsement still needs to be ratified by the party's head office.
Ms Mallinson, who previously worked as a press adviser to Gilmore MP Joanna Gash and now works in the office of Liberal Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, could not be contacted yesterday afternoon.
She has experience on the campaign trail after standing for Shellharbour in the 2011 state election, when she was defeated by Labor's Anna Watson.
Ms Mallinson was expected to face a preselection battle in Throsby against Southern Highlands farmer and former mayor of Sydney's Leichhardt Council, Nick Dyer, who had previously raised his hand for the candidacy.
However, Mr Dyer yesterday said he had pulled out because he didn't have the numbers.
Meanwhile, former Liberal candidate Philip Clifford has been endorsed locally for a second run at the seat of Cunningham, held by Labor MP Sharon Bird.
Mr Clifford faced an uphill battle for the seat in 2010 when he was thumped by Ms Bird, who received 63 per cent of the vote to his 37 per cent on a two candidate preferred basis.