Labor is still searching for a candidate to take on Liberal MP Stuart Ayres in the seat of Penrith at next year’s State Election.
It’s unclear just who will take on the difficult task to try and pull back Mr Ayres’ huge margin in the seat, once held comfortably by Labor.
Penrith Councillor Prue Car has already gained pre-selection as Labor candidate for Londonderry but the candidates for Mulgoa and Penrith are yet to be decided.
Penrith Councillor John Thain has ruled himself out of the pre-selection race for Penrith despite contesting the 2011 election and the 2010 by-election.
“I am in the private sector and I have a family to look after. I have run twice and I have them to think of, I can’t simply take time off from my job and run,” he said.
There has been speculation that Todd Carney, former staffer of David Bradbury will have a tilt in the 2015 election.
Mr Carney ran in the 2012 Penrith Council election on the same ticket as Cr Karen McKeown, and despite missing out on a Council seat, recorded strong support.
He told the Weekender that he has not yet given thought to nominating for pre-selection.
“I haven’t had much time to think about it after the Federal Election and David Bradbury’s campaign,” he said.
“I have just found myself a new job, I am a mechanic by trade, and I have responsibilities to my employer.”
Mr Carney did not rule out contesting Labor Party pre-selection and said he would decide further down the track.
“When the pre-selection for seats open, I will consider whether I want to run then, and I first of all must discuss any decisions with my family and employer,” he said.
Labor is trying out a new method of pre-selection, where if there is more than one nomination, Labor members of the public can vote on who they want to be their candidate in a move that offers more transparency.
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