Mr Reekie, who ran for Labor at the 2014 state election, said he wasn’t disappointed the party had elected not to run a candidate. 

“Being an independent strips away the party layer, it becomes us saying what is important,” Mr Reekie said. 

“But I have no hesitation making it clear I’m a Labor Party member and that I support what Daniel Andrews is doing.

“This by-election will give our region a change to find its voice and I want to be that voice.”

He said the south-west staunchly supported the Liberals. 

“If we can make this seat marginal, the parties will fight tooth and nail for our votes. We will get noticed at budget time. ”