Liberals scrap for state seat of Sydney

A political battle of two Liberal heavyweights is imminent after Councillor Shayne Mallard spectacularly pulled out of the mayoral race.

In a shock announcement earlier this week, Cr Mallard expressed ambitions to instead run for the state seat of Sydney – against former Randwick Councillor Adrian Bartels.

Mr Bartels was narrowly beaten by Independent Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP in the last election.

“Getting this seat is a huge privilege and shows people have put their trust in you,” he said.

Ms Moore has made it no secret that she would prefer to hold the mayoral seat over her state seat of Sydney, after the dual roles law will force her to relinquish one.

As such, there were high hopes for Cr Bartels to win this time around.

Suggesting Cr Mallard’s sudden desire to run for a state position will not hinder his own campaign, Mr Bartels said: “I have been consistent and never once changed my mind about going for this seat. [I] have demonstrated my commitment over a long period of time now.”

Cr Mallard previously ran for the state seat in 2003 and this year Mr Bartels was the only Liberal party member to put himself forward for pre-selection prior to the announcement.

“I’ve been at Council for 12 years now and the decision wasn’t taken lightly,” Cr Mallard said.

“The state position is an honour and I think I would do it proud, given my experience in the community.”

The turn-around by Cr Mallard may have also dampened the prospect of a Liberal mayor of Sydney.

With only two weeks left before nominations close, there’s talk of Cr Mallard’s decision handing Clover Moore an easy ride to keep hold of her mayoral seat.

However, Cr Mallard does not see it that way. “The battle for control of City of Sydney has always been with the left. I don’t think Clover Moore’s campaign is focussed on the Liberals. She’s focussed on the Greens. They have somewhat of an unpleasant relationship,” he said.

Living Sydney will also announce its mayoral team soon.

Barry Goldman, the Independent party’s spokesperson and Clover Moore’s former campaign manager said Cr Mallard’s decision blows the race for mayor wide open.

“If the Liberals don’t come up with a strong team in the next few weeks, it still won’t be the Clover Moore team that benefits.

The general public has had a gutful of the way she’s running council at the expense of residents.”