General News
2 June, 2022
Webster backs new team
RE-ELECTED Mallee MP Anne Webster failed in her bid to be the Nationals’ deputy leadership when the party met in Canberra on Monday. Dr Webster, who was returned with an increased majority after the May 21 federal election, had announced last week...
RE-ELECTED Mallee MP Anne Webster failed in her bid to be the Nationals’ deputy leadership when the party met in Canberra on Monday.
Dr Webster, who was returned with an increased majority after the May 21 federal election, had announced last week her candidacy for the No 2 position.
The ballot saw former agriculture minister David Littleproud oust Barnaby Joyce as leader.
Following Monday’s party room ballot, Dr Webster said: “Today I put my hand up for the role of deputy leader of the National Party, while I was not successful, I am very pleased that my colleague Senator Perin Davey from NSW has been elected, and I know she will do a wonderful job supporting our new leader David Littleproud.
“I am looking forward to being part of a strong team representing our region even while in opposition,” she said,
No details have been released of other candidates for the deputy’s position or how the 21 MPs and senators voted.
Meanwhile, the Australian Electoral Commission is expected to officially declare the Mallee poll within days at the division’s office in Bendigo.
Updated AEC figures on Monday showed Dr Webster with 69.78 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, a lead of 36,901 votes over Labor opponent Carole Hart. Dr Webster received 50.10 per cent of the primary vote.
Just over 8800 postal, absentee, provisional and declaration pre-poll votes remained to be processed.
The new Parliament will have a majority Labor government with a record number of independents.
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