Christian Ellis emerges as Liberal Party preselection contender in Farrer

Hardline conservative Christian Ellis is reportedly going to challenge Ms Ley, who has held the seat since 2001, after he purchased property in the southern NSW electorate.

Ms Ley said branch stacking from city-based party operatives wouldn't wash with people in Farrer.

"It is something that doesn't relate to my real world experience as a member of parliament west of the Great Divide," she said.

"I nominated for the Liberal Party, I ran for the Liberal Party, I've worked hard for the Liberal Party and the people I represent in parliament since 2001.

"I would like to continue to do that."

Ms Ley reportedly has the full backing of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and she is presently the federal environment minister.

She was also the minister for women in an acting capacity recently.

"There are certainly reports of what has previously been city-based factional branch stacking and yes, a toxic culture which isn't about the policies or the candidate but about that factional branch stacking," Ms Ley said on Wednesday.

"We've never seen that west of the Great Divide.

"We're not used to that in rural and regional Australia.

"I do hope that it's not happening but I will stare down any challenge that comes my way as someone who has worked hard for the people of Farrer over many years."

The Border Mail attempted to contact Mr Ellis for comment.

But a party source said: "This preselection is about the lack of movement on policy that effects particularly the western part of the seat.

"If Sussan doesn't make head way in supporting farmers, particularly on water management, then she will more than likely have a preselection challenge on her hands".

IN OTHER NEWS

Nominations for Liberal preselection in Farrer are expected to open in November.

"The party and branches are in full support of the sitting member," another party source told The Border Mail.

At the 2019 federal election, Ms Ley saw off a challenge from Albury mayor Kevin Mack, who stood as an independent and campaigned strongly on water issues, with a strong personal vote in her hometown.

Meanwhile, there have been no nominations made public for Liberal Party preselection in the neighbouring electorate of Indi, which the Coalition lost to independent Cathy McGowan at the 2013 election.

The Liberal Party called for nominations in Indi in early April.

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