Newcastle Labor Councillor Tim Crakanthorp won the preselection for the seat of Newcastle at the weekend, while Booragul resident Melissa Cleary was named as the candidate for Lake Macquarie.
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Mr Crakanthorp beat fellow councillor Nuatali Nelmes 60 to 40 per cent after rank-and-file members voted in the city on Saturday.
Ms Nelmes received 20 per cent loading as a female candidate, under ALP policy.
“I look forward to taking on Tim Owen, Jaimie Abbott, Brad Luke or whoever the Liberals put forward in the next state election,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
‘‘I think I’m best equipped [to represent Newcastle] through my broad work experience in the public, private and non-government sectors.’’
Mr Crakanthorp listed getting the Hunter a fair share of the port sale proceeds, a healthy CBD renewal and proper funding for TAFE among his top priorities.
Insight into whether it will still be a battle of the Tim’s for the Newcastle seat is hoped to be gained on Monday.
Member for Newcastle and Liberal MP Tim Owen will break his silence and hold a press conference following his personal leave from state parliament last week.
It comes amid an inquiry into alleged political donations made “under the table” to his 2011 election campaign.
Ms Cleary, 45, was preselected unopposed and will seek to defeat independent Greg Piper, who has held the state seat since 2007.
She works for federal Charlton MP Pat Conroy as an electorate officer.
‘‘I’ve had more experience working in small business than politics,’’ she said.
She did a hairdressing apprenticeship after school and had worked in hospitality and service industries.
‘‘I really want to get out and meet people and find out what’s important to them,’’ Ms Cleary said.
‘‘I’m passionate about where I live.’’
After falling just short at the Newcastle poll, Ms Nelmes said she would be committed to backing Mr Crakanthorp and other Labor candidates for the 2015 election.
“Newcastle needs a representative who engages with their community and includes them in the decision-making process,” she said.
