AS the dust settles following Julia Gillard’s shock decision to retire from politics, contenders for her safe seat of Lalor are emerging.
Labor sources told the Weekly former Melbourne councillor Kimberley Kitching was the front runner.
If an election is called earlier than September 14, Labor’s national executive could use its emergency powers to fast-track a candidate for the seat instead of going to a local vote.
Ms Kitching is the Victorian branch manager of the Health Services Union and a close ally of Maribyrnong MP Bill Shorten.
Labor powerbroker Senator Stephen Conroy could reportedly back another candidate, Peter Khalil, a former policy adviser during Kevin Rudd’s first period as prime minister and now director of corporate affairs at SBS. Mr Khalil could not be reached for comment.
Political analysts suggest Labor’s Lalor candidate will be a woman from the party’s Right.
Monash University lecturer Nick Economou said the ALP was significantly below its quota of women contesting winnable seats.
Katie Hall, a former staffer to retiring Gellibrand MP Nicola Roxon, was also floated as a potential nominee.
Ms Hall has since told the Weekly she will not nominate.
“I think whoever follows Julia has the biggest shoes in Australia to fill,” she said.
Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney, also mentioned as a potential candidate for the seat, has confirmed she will not nominate.
The ALP is expected to establish a preselection timetable for Lalor this week.
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