It appears that Liberal MP Bruce Baird may be facing a branch-stacking ambush, with reports of more than 300 people joining the Liberal Party in his southern Sydney electorate in the last week, following recent speculation Mr Baird might be challenged by former New South Wales State Liberal Director and recently ousted former head of Tourism Australia, Scott Morrison
The new members have joined the Miranda branch in Mr Baird’s seat of Cook, taking the 200 member branch to more than 500.
Mr Morrison said in media reports that he denies any knowledge of the new members or his intention to challenge, adding “Bruce’s position is absolutely robust.” “He’s a very popular local member and well regarded within the party, including by me.”
Media reports say that the new members had been enlisted in case Mr Baird decided not to stand and the party needed to find another candidate, with a rule to be passed by the New South Wales Liberal State Council this week requiring anyone who wants to vote in next year’s preselections to be a registered party member by this Friday.
Pundits have said for some time that Scott Morrison was likely to appear in the next election, suggesting that his well known closeness to John Howard could be a factor, and his selection also possibly being viewed as “compensation” for what is understood to be his highly acrimonious and sudden outsing from the head Tourism Australia role, during which Mr Howard is believed to have supported Federal Tourism Minister Bailey in the stoush between the Minister and CEO earlier this year.
Report by The Mole
