Melissa McIntosh is a two-term MP who was one of the rare shining lights for the Liberal Party at the last Federal Election, but she’s facing competition from within her own party in the lead-up to the next poll.
The Weekender can confirm that veteran Penrith City Councillor and current Deputy Mayor, Mark Davies, will contest Lindsay preselection when it opens at an undetermined date.
There is a push from some within the Liberal Party to endorse Davies over McIntosh as the Lindsay candidate.
It would be an extraordinary move given McIntosh holds the seat with a 6.3 per cent margin and had a swing to her at the last election.
When contacted by the Weekender, Davies confirmed he would be a candidate at preselection but said he was unable to comment further on the process due to party rules.
McIntosh similarly said she could not comment on preselection, but spoke of her passion for the job.
“From the moment I was elected in 2019, my top priority has always been to the people of Lindsay. I have stood side by side with our community during some of our toughest times, and it is my steadfast commitment to represent them to the best of my ability and fight for what matters most,” she said.
“Now, I am fighting on behalf of all families in our community who have been hard hit by the Albanese Labor Government’s cost-of-living crisis, by the unfair preliminary flight paths impacting Lindsay, and the funding cuts to vital infrastructure surrounding the Western Sydney International Airport.
“As well as the local representative in the Federal Parliament, in my shadow portfolio I have been standing up for all Australians struggling with their mental health, by calling on the Albanese Labor Government to re-instate the full 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions people desperately need.
“These are the issues that are important.”
In an added twist, leaked texts from a Liberal Party group chat were published by The Sunday Telegraph last weekend, revealing the bitter internal war set to erupt over the preselection.
In the messages, Tanya Davies – Mark Davies’ wife and State MP for Badgerys Creek – says if McIntosh is the best candidate, she’ll win preselection.
“What has she got to fear? Let the locals have their say!” one of the messages said.
McIntosh and Davies sit in different factions within the Liberal Party, which has held Lindsay since the 2019 election.
Davies did nominate for Lindsay preselection ahead of the 2022 election, but later withdrew. The Weekender understands he feels now – with the Coalition in Opposition – is the time to have a tilt at the federal seat.
Liberal Leader Peter Dutton was contacted for comment, but did not respond before deadline.
It is understood his office is monitoring the situation in Lindsay.
The next election is likely to be held in the middle of next year.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
