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Ben Morton Wins Pre-Election for Tangney

Pia Van StraalenCanning Gazette

The Liberal Party’s State Council decision has enabled Mr Morton to start campaigning for the blue ribbon seat, currently the second safest in the State.

The candidate, who lives in Applecross, said the weekend’s outcome was humbling and he pledged to get to know the electorate.

“I’m feeling really pleased, it’s humbling that the party has put faith in me,” he said.

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Mr Morton is a long-term member of the Liberal Party, having ascended to the State Director’s role at 25, the now 34-year-old said he had worked hard to get to where he is.

“I’ve always worked hard at whatever I’ve done, I’ve passed the first step and now I need to meet with the people of Tangney,” he said.

“I love democracy and I love the fact that it is my fellow residents in Tangney that will make the decision as to whether I represent them.”

Mr Morton said he was drawn to the Liberal Party because of its ethos of hard work.

“I want a society where individuals can aspire to be anything they want to be,” he said.

Current member for Tangney Dennis Jensen has not ruled out running as an independent for the seat.

Dr Jensen said he had been approached by members of the public, but had not thought much further ahead.

“I haven’t really thought about it… there are people who have asked me,” he said.

Dr Jensen said he was stunned by the Liberal Party’s decision to endorse Mr Morton over him, given the swing towards Liberal during his parliamentary career.

“I’m the most popular member the party has ever had in Tangney, and they decided they wanted to sack me,” he said.

Dr Jensen said it would be business as usual in his electorate and he would move forward to seek compensation from News Corp, after The Australian published information he called “methodically wrong.”

“I am suing The Australian… I am seeking compensation, they trashed my reputation nationwide,” he said.