The leader of The Nationals has thrown his support behind the party’s Cowper candidate in the wake of a high-profile independent entering the election race.
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Former Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott on January 15 confirmed he would contest the 2019 federal election for Cowper.
The leader of The Nationals Michael McCormack said he backed The Nationals candidate Patrick Conaghan all the way.
Mr Conaghan was preselected in November 2018 as The Nationals candidate for Cowper, which stretches from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie.
Sitting Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker is retiring from politics.
When asked his reaction to Mr Oakeshott’s announcement, Mr McCormack said good luck to him.
“He has put his hand up, and you know, may the best person win,” Mr McCormack said.
“I know the best person is Pat Conaghan.
“I know he is going to work mighty hard leading up to the election and then after the election.”
The leader of The Nationals said Mr Conaghan understood business, the community and families and he was working mighty hard to make sure The Nationals continued its fine representation here.
He said The Nationals focused on every seat the party contested.
Cowper was one seat, Mr McCormack said, and the party wanted to retain it, and he knew the people of Cowper wanted The Nationals to retain it as well.
A federal election date has yet to be set.
Mr Oakeshott says he will be a candidate in the 2019 election because an experienced local voice is required to ensure the concerns of the electorate are heard and that local communities get the attention and resources they deserve.
The Greens have preselected Dr Sally Townley, while Andrew Woodward will contest Cowper for Labor.
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