Liberal candidate for marginal seat dumped weeks out from election

The Victorian opposition has replaced its candidate for a marginal seat in Melbourne's east. Opposition leader Jess Wilson announced Grant Hutchinson was disendorsed due to new information about a civil case he is involved in. Toby Wooldridge, son of former federal Liberal minister Michael Wooldridge, will now represent the Liberal Party in the upcoming November 28 poll.

Opposition leader Jess Wilson reaffirmed the Liberal Party's rigorous vetting processes following the disendorsement of another candidate, Grant Hutchinson, just seven weeks before the Victorian election. Hutchinson was removed as the candidate for Croydon on Monday, citing litigation he is involved in, despite the lawsuit being publicly known since last year.

When questioned on Tuesday, Ms. Wilson stated that further details about the lawsuit brought by Mr. Hutchinson against his own law firm had come to the party's attention, deeming it no longer appropriate for him to be a candidate. She expressed confidence in the party's vetting process, emphasizing that new information had come to light.

Hutchinson was replaced by Toby Wooldridge, the son and nephew of former federal and state Liberal ministers, respectively. Despite some Liberal members being taken aback by the party's decision, Wilson assured that the party had stringent vetting procedures in place. Croydon, currently held by a Liberal MP by just 1.4%, is expected to see an extension of the party's lead in the upcoming election.

Long-serving incumbent David Hodgett, who has served for 20 years, is retiring, allowing the Liberal Party to potentially strengthen its position in the electorate.