STATE Liberal preselectors endorsed former Liberal Party state director Ben Morton for the Federal seat of Tangney 57-7 over sitting member Dennis Jensen at the weekend.
It comes after months of speculation and a week of public revelations, including a 2007 attempt by Dr Jensen to publish a book with an explicit sex scene.
Dr Jensen claimed the leaks were made to damage his standing in the party, and has since made indications he would sue the outlet that published the allegations.
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READ NOWThe State Liberal Council will make the final preselection decision for Tangney this Saturday.
Australian Greens candidate for Tangney Thor Kerr said he did not expect Dr Jensen to make it through, and welcomed the prospect of a lawsuit.
“It doesn’t look like Dennis is going to survive this time,” he said.
“If he responds with a lawsuit, the public will see how the Liberal machine works, it’s a revealing moment.”
Dr Kerr said past last-minute reprieves made by senior Liberals to save Dr Jensen’s selection meant the fundamental party was unchanged.
“I think we need to remind the public that last time the party saved him, Ben Morton was one of the people who saved his bacon,” he said.
Dr Kerr said voters were disenchanted with the Liberal Party, and it was beyond changing a member.
“I think there is a general disappointment in the Liberal Party that goes way beyond Dennis Jensen,” he said.
Tangney is the second safest Liberal seat in the state with a 14.7 per cent swing.
Neither Ben Morton, nor Dennis Jensen responded to requests for comment.