CHRIS Brayne, who was the Member for Nepean between 2018 and 2022 before being ousted by Sam Groth, has re-emerged from self-imposed exile with some pointed commentary about the upcoming by-election.
Brayne was a shock winner in the 2018 state election when, at just 25-years-old, he snatched the seat retiring MP Martin Dixon had held for 16 years. Brayne pulled off an 8.5% swing in his favour, albiet holding the seat with a tenuous 0.9% margin.
Brayne faced an uphill battle in 2022 against high-profile Groth and was ousted at the poll.
Brayne retired into the background and has been reluctant to make comment on the affairs of the Nepean electorate before making a statement yesterday (17 February).
“Sam’s resignation, and the resulting costly by-election was an entirely predictable outcome,” said Brayne.
“With many interactions across the 2022 Victorian Election year, including two full weeks of prepoll, it became evident to me that he was going to struggle being a local Member of Parliament.
“When I lost in 2022, I called him and genuinely wished him the best, and hoped he would do well for the electorate. While I wish him all the best for his future, it’s hard not to feel very frustrated that Nepean voters now have to vote twice in a year.
“For the sake of our democracy, all political parties should redouble their efforts to ensure selecting good quality candidates for this by-election and the upcoming 2026 Victorian Election. We need candidates who are in it for the long haul, who will weather the good and bad days.
“A by-election now means only more people dissatisfied about the electoral process. The Nepean electorate deserves better.”
The rumour is that Labor appears unlikely to field a candidate with a party insider saying that it is long-held party policy not to contest by-elections in seats they don’t hold.
