Former ambassador to Israel wins Liberal pre-selection for Wentworth

Published: 13 September 2018

Last updated: 4 March 2024

It wasn't till after midnight last night that the former Australian envoy to Israel, Dave Sharma, won his party's candidacy for the seat vacated by Malcolm Turnbull

Morrison overruled as Sharma wins Wentworth preselection (SMH)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been overruled after the NSW Liberals defied his push for a female candidate to run in Wentworth and instead backed former ambassador Dave Sharma.

Mr Sharma, who was Australia's youngest ambassador, will contest the blue ribbon seat for the Liberals in next month's byelection after winning a tough preselection battle that stretched late into Thursday night. Just after 1am on Friday, Mr Sharma emerged as the winner. He easily beat Mr Morrison's pick, Katherine O'Regan, who was knocked out in an early round of voting.

Wentworth by-election: Dave Sharma selected as Liberal Party candidate (ABC)
Former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma has won the Liberal Party candidacy for the Federal seat of Wentworth ahead of next month's by-election.

Mr Sharma emerged victorious for the prized preselection after a marathon voting session that lasted more than six hours and finished in the early hours of Friday morning at a rugby club in Sydney's Rose Bay.

The ABC understands Mr Sharma took the spot with 119 votes in the final round after he and Woollahra councillor Richard Shields emerged as the final two candidates.

Photo: AAP