The Armidale Express reported last month that former Liberal councillor, Margaret O’Connor, had been dumped by the Liberal Party as a candidate. But the party and Mrs O’Connor have revealed it was her decision not to seek endorsement, which then led to the party not running a ticket.

In a statement to the Express, Mrs O’Connor was critical of the state Coalition government.

She said the recent decision to sell Land and Property Information to the private sector under a non-reviewable 35 year concession did not sit well with her.

“My view is that managing and securing the state’s land registry is a core government role and service which underpins our economy and national security. The sale of the LPI therefore heralds time for completely fresh thinking about who we vote for and the core values they represent.” 

She said the new Armidale Regional Council represented an opportunity for a louder voice for regional interests.

“I’m questioning whether 30 per cent is a fair share of infrastructure sale proceeds for the regions. I think not.

“It’s time regional NSW was recognised for the powerhouse it is. NSW is one state, not an engorged global city trailing tag along rural cousins. We are being forced to have ‘regional’ local government. It’s therefore time to make regional growth and development central to all government policy and funding decisions.”

If the party had run a ticket in the election, Ms O’Connor would be unable to run as an independent candidate unless she resigned from the party. The decision also clears the way for other party members to run as an independent candidates.

Matthew Tierney, President of the Armidale Branch of the Liberal Party, confirmed Mrs O’Connor had not been ‘dumped’ by the Liberal Party.

“In fact the opposite is true. Mrs O’Connor declined to seek endorsement,” he said. 

“Had we dumped her as the Express claimed an application would have been rejected or Mrs O’Connor would have lost a pre-selection contest. She made no application for endorsement and no pre-selection has been held. That simply did not happen.”

Mr Tierney said that Mrs O’Connor was respected in the branch and the party and that she was diligent in attending Liberal Party meetings and briefings in Sydney and remained a long standing delegate to Liberal State Council.

“She is also a member of State Executive’s Rural and Regional Committee,” he said. “When the local party resolved not to have an endorsed Liberal ticket at the forthcoming election we encouraged Margaret O’Connor and others of our number who were contemplating running for the new regional council.”