Cathy Griff
The Nationals have opened nominations for the Eden-Monaro by-election despite expectations they would not pit the party against the Liberals. The by-election is to be held on July 4 following the resignation of Labor’s Mike Kelly due to health reasons. Source: Timberbiz
Meanwhile, Bega Shire Councillor Cathy Griff will challenge her local government colleague Kristy McBain, with the former teacher and journalist expected to be announced today as the Greens candidate.
She joins Dr Fiona Kotvojs (Liberal), Karen Porter (New Liberals) and Bega mayor Kristy McBain (Labor).
Ms Griff, a long-term resident of Tanja on the NSW Far South Coast.
The National Party is expected to name its candidate in the coming days.
It will be the 12th time the Nationals have run a candidate in Eden-Monaro in the party’s 100-year history.
The Greens polled 8.7% of the primary vote on May 18 last year, with its preferences critical to pushing Labor across the line by fewer than 2000 votes.
Its best result was in 2010 when candidate Catherine Moore polled 9.72% of the vote.
