Today I have advised the WA Liberal Party of my decision to stand aside as the endorsed Liberal candidate for Tangney.
This is a difficult personal decision that has been reached after much thought and consultation with my family during the past several days.
When I spoke to Liberal Party members in Tangney during my preselection in April, I assured them that I share their fundamental values. Specifically, I said I was ‘all in’ for family.
Late last week, a close family member suffered a serious medical episode and will remain in intensive care in Melbourne.
This moment has tested my stated principle. My family means everything to me – so my first priority is to be with them and provide all the support they need during this incredibly difficult time.
This means I am not able to devote all my time and energy to being on the ground and campaigning locally in Tangney.
Tangney is a must-win seat for the Liberal Party and the campaign will require a candidate who can work with the local community to deliver the change we need. By stepping aside now, I can give the Liberal Party its best opportunity to select a new candidate and go on to win Tangney in the next Federal Election.
I would like to thank all those members of the WA Liberal Party who have supported me in recent months. Their energy and enthusiasm has been outstanding, and I know it will be an asset to the campaign to take back Tangney.
Although it will be in a different capacity, I look forward to continuing to support Peter Dutton and the Liberal team in their efforts to win Tangney at the next election.
I ask that the media respect my family’s privacy during this difficult time.
20 May 2024
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