UPDATE: Cathy McGowan has issued a short statement saying she looks said she looks forward to confirmation of Dr Kerryn Phelps as the new member for Wentworth.
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“My preference is for this government to run its full term,” Ms McGowan said.
“There have been some strong messages coming out of the by-election consistent with messages from my electorate. They include the need for stability and good governance, getting the kids off Nauru and an expectation the Government will have a stronger commitment to address climate change.”
SUNDAY: Cathy McGowan declined to comment on Sunday on the success of fellow independent politician Kerryn Phelps in the by-election to replace former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The member for Indi went to ground after having advocated a vote for Dr Phelps in the Wentworth ballot which saw a massive swing away from the Liberal Party.
Ms McGowan took to Twitter to show her support for Dr Phelps, who has claimed victory ahead of Liberal candidate Dave Sharma in the eastern Sydney electorate.
“Be the change you want to see #WenthworthVotes. If not now, when? If not you, who? @MakeMayoMatter did it & now @drkerrynphelps,” Ms McGowan tweeted on the eve of the by-election.
The handle @MakeMayoMatter belongs to South Australian federal independent MP Rebekha Sharkie, who Ms McGowan campaigned for during a by-election sparked by the Croweater having dual citizenship.
In early October, Dr Phelps tweeted out an endorsement received from Ms McGowan which included a photo of them smiling together in Sydney.
It read: “It’s a big decision for a community to choose an Independent but the evidence is clear-all communities benefit.” - Cathy McGowan, Ind MP for Indi, talking to me this morning about my campaign in Wentworth.”
Ms McGowan’s spokeswoman said she would speak on Monday about the outcome in Wentworth.
A Dr Phelps win would lead to minority government.
That scenario has resulted in speculation an independent may be sought to be speaker to shore up the government by giving the existing Liberal speaker Tony Smith a vote on bills.
Ms McGowan is not interested in that role.
“My commitment is to the people of Indi - to be the Voice for Indi!” she tweeted on Saturday before the Wentworth by-election.
“Sadly, The (sic) speaker has no voice.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday night said he would continue to be guided by his September Albury speech which spruiked the philosophy of “a fair go to those that have a go”.