Frydenberg chasing every single vote in desperate battle for survival

DASH LAWRENCE: The Liberal Party holds such fears for the treasurer’s prospects that he is even going to speak to Kooyong’s small Progressive congregation

IN LESS THAN ten days, the most powerful Australian Jewish politician in the history of Federation, Josh Frydenberg, could be unemployed.

The Treasurer who led Australia through its most testing economic conditions since the Great Depression, faces the toughest electoral contest of his 12-year career in federal politics.

His challenger, Dr Monique Ryan, a self-confessed political “cleanskin” – more familiar with hospital beds than hustings – has surprised many with an effective and disciplined campaign that appears to have resonated with Kooyong voters.

The former Director of Neurology at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital has pounded Frydenberg’s Government where it’s most vulnerable in inner city electorates: on issues of climate change, integrity in government, treatment of women and asylum seekers.

One veteran Victorian Liberal Party insider, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Jewish Independent the Party held grave fears for Frydenberg.

“Kooyong is looking bad; we’re very concerned about Josh’s future.

“He is regarded by almost everyone in the Party as next in line to lead it. In fact, there is talk that even if the Coalition is re-elected, Morrison might retire mid-term and pave the way for Josh to become Prime Minister.”

Last weekend, The Saturday Paper reported Liberal Party polling had Frydenberg in deep trouble: a primary vote at 42 per cent – two per cent lower than it needs to be to ensure the Treasurer can withstand likely preferences flows in favour of Ryan.

A YouGov poll, commissioned by News Corp, and released on Tuesday this week is no better. Frydenberg’s primary vote has slipped to an unwinnable 38 per cent.