Paul Ell has pulled out of the race for Liberal pre-selection for the federal seat of Gilmore, opening up the way former NSW politician Andrew Constance to run.
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The Shoalhaven Heads lawyer had a lot of support in the South Coast seat, but chose to step back after winning a seat on the local council.
In a statement Mr Ell threw his support behind Mr Constance, who resigned as Transport and Roads Minister earlier this year.
"It is critical that we have a strong representative for the federal seat of Gilmore," Mr Ell said.
"This is why I want to maximise the Liberal Party's chances of winning Gilmore at the next election. My judgement is that the best candidate to win Gilmore is my friend Andrew Constance.
"I hope to have the opportunity to work closely with him should he be selected."
Mr Ell's priorities for Shoalhaven Council were pushing for a Nowra Bypass, bringing green bins to the region and the revitalisation of local villages.
He has been around politics in the region for some time, having worked on several election campaigns for Kiama MP Gareth Ward and is the current Gilmore Liberal Federal Electorate Conference (FEC) President.
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Glen Humphries
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.
