Hockey backs former journalist and calls for a contested Liberal preselection in Willoughby – Sydney Morning Herald

Ms Giles-Gidney, Mr James and Ms Sloane addressed the Willoughby state electoral conference meeting on Thursday night, which is likely to be the final one attended by Ms Berejiklian while she is still the sitting member.

The former premier spoke at the meeting, held at the Armenian Cultural Centre, but did not endorse a candidate. She told party members that she trusted the people of the Willoughby conference to make their own decision about the best candidate.

Ms Berejiklian, who stood down as premier on October 1 when the Independent Commission Against Corruption announced its inquiry into her, has not yet resigned from NSW Parliament and a date has not been set for the Willoughby preselection.

Senior moderate Liberals say the party is keen to avoid a three-horse race and would prefer that Ms Giles-Gidney, the moderates preferred option, be the only candidate.

Ms Berejiklians desire to see Ms Giles-Gidney succeed her will boost the mayors chances because the former premier is still very popular in Willoughby, according to the Liberal sources.

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Hockey backs former journalist and calls for a contested Liberal preselection in Willoughby - Sydney Morning Herald