Andrew Jenner will this morning announce he is seeking preselection with the Nationals, marking his official split from the Jacqui Lambie Network after the party’s namesake senator pulled out of running state candidates.
The Lyons MP is expected to make the announcement in his hometown of Richmond, with just 35 days to go until the July 19 state election.
Jenner found himself the last man standing from Lambie’s short-lived state political push, after fellow MPs Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick were dumped from the party only months after their 2024 election win.
Pentland plans to run again as an independent in Bass, while Beswick is yet to say what she intends to do in Braddon.
“Where better to launch the campaign than right here in my hometown of Richmond?” Jenner shared on Friday, while delivering flyers around the neighbourhood.
“Representing the people of Lyons has been an incredible privilege and I’m hoping to earn the chance to do it all over again.”
The Nationals are pitching themselves as a fresh alternative to the major parties. They oppose the Macquarie Point stadium but back key industries like salmon farming, forestry and agriculture.
Former Liberal MP John Tucker is also eyeing Nationals preselection, as the party looks to make a play for Bass, Braddon and Lyons.
Jenner was among 18 MPs who helped bring down Jeremy Rockliff’s minority government, siding with Labor, the Greens and independents Craig Garland and Kristie Johnston to trigger the early poll.
