THE Labor Party is unlikely to contest upcoming by-elections in south-west Victoria.
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A spokeswoman confirmed on Tuesday the party would not “at this stage” contest the safe Liberal electorates of South West Coast and Polwarth.
The spokeswoman anticipated a final decision would be made in the next week. But Tuesday’s revelation came just hours after former candidate Roy Reekie put his hand up for pre-selection, indicating the party would challenge for the seat.
He is now planning to run as an independent. The once-in-a-generation by-elections were triggered when Liberal MPs Denis Napthine and Terry Mulder announced their retirements from Parliament on Monday.
An unprecedented number of ministerial visits to South West Coast over the past month, including from Premier Daniel Andrews, suggested Labor would make a serious play for the region, which has traditionally been a Coalition stronghold.
It was thought the party could make up some ground, if not win, South West Coast given the slate would be wiped clean and Dr Napthine’s huge personal popularity removed.