THE Nationals are tipped to make a serious assault on the Labor seat of Ripon in the 2026 Victorian election.
Speculation has increased in recent weeks that Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong, currently the party’s state president, will be the candidate to challenge Martha Haylett next November.
Ms Haylett won the seat that includes southern Loddon communities at the 2022 election in a tight finish with two-term Liberal MP Louise Staley.
Nationals’ sources say pre-selection is not expected to be held until later this year.
The Nationals are also preparing to select a new candidate to contest Murray Plains, the seat held by Peter Walsh for more than two decades. Mr Walsh, a former party leader, has announced he will retire at the 2026 election.
According to Nationals’ sources, the party is buoyed following a strong showing by Andrew Lethlean against Labor’s Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters at the federal election. 
There is speculation Mr Lethlean could challenge Premier Jacinta Allan in her seat of Bendigo East, currently a safe Labor seat for Ms Allan.
- CHRIS EARL