Tim Wilson's win seen as blueprint for recovery after Liberal lashing in election
One Liberal moderate says returned MP Tim Wilson should play a senior role in the opposition, possibly as leader, after he reclaimed the seat of Goldstein from teal Zoe Daniel.
Tim Wilson’s win in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein could be a blueprint for rebuilding the Liberal Party after its devastating election loss, according to one former moderate MP who also says Wilson should be in a “senior role, if not leader”.
Speaking to reporters in his electorate on Wednesday, Wilson declared his campaign had “defied political gravity” after becoming the first Australian MP to reclaim a seat they had previously lost to an independent.
Despite nationwide losses on Saturday night, the Liberals made inroads in some teal seats. As counting continues, the party is hopeful it can reclaim Kooyong in Melbourne, as well as hold off a stiff challenge from a teal independent in the northern Sydney seat of Bradfield.
A three-way contest among shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, acting leader Sussan Ley, and immigration spokesman Dan Tehan for leadership of the Liberal Party is underway, but it can’t be concluded until the winners of the remaining tight races are declared.
