Related: Everyone was on a special mission
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
FORMER Victorian premier Ted Baillieu was in Benalla yesterday to offer his campaign support to Nationals candidate for Euroa, Steph Ryan.
But Mr Baillieu was unwilling to say he preferred Ms Ryan over her Liberal opponent Tony Schneider.
His backing for Ms Ryan’s campaign came as a result of her having worked as Mr Baillieu’s media advisor during his time as premier.
It was Mr Baillieu’s first visit to Benalla since Ms Ryan and Mr Schneider were announced as candidates for Euroa.
Mr Baillieu said he had spent time with Mr Schneider in Euroa on Sunday at the unveiling of a statue.
“I know Steph and she’s a fantastic girl and I know Tony and he’s a great guy,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Obviously I’m a Liberal and we have a Liberal standing so I think Tony is a good guy.
“It’s a luxury the seat has two great candidates.”
When asked who he hoped to see elected the new member for Euroa, Mr Baillieu said he was “staying out of that”.
“She’s a National, I’m a Liberal but we’re good mates and if I were a candidate it would be an honour to stand next to her,” he said.
Mr Schneider would not comment as to how he felt about his rival receiving Mr Baillieu’s backing.
“There are lots of people giving me support in the party and outside the party,” Mr Schneider said.
“I’m really focusing on the campaign and not looking at who is supporting me and who is not.
“I’m more looking at me supporting the people of Euroa”.
Ms Ryan said Mr Baillieu’s support meant a great deal to her.
“He is someone I have looked up to for a long time,” she said.
“It’s not a case of him choosing one person over the other, we just go back quite a way and it’s the relationship we have on a personal level.”