Council & Politics
22 March, 2026
Liberals rush to finalise Ripon candidate
THE Liberal Party is hoping to have a candidate on the ground soon for the seat of Ripon with nominations closing at the end of this week.
The Liberals went through a preselection process in December, however the chosen candidate Andrew Kilmartin decided to withdraw shortly afterwards.
The Advocate understands that previous Ripon preselection candidates Susi Marro and Central Goldfields Mayor Ben Green will not stand a second time.
That means the Liberal Party will be making a choice between Lucas resident Nathan Anderson, former Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh and possibly Macedon based Serge Petrovich.
Nominations close on the 27th of March with a vote likely in April.
The Liberal Party will also be deciding its candidates for the Upper House seat of Western Victoria at a party convention on March 28.
Sitting MP Bev McArthur is being challenged for the number one spot by former Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan amongst others.
Ararat residents and former Ripon MP Louise Staley is seeking preselection for the number two spot on the Liberals ticket.
The National Party has not yet formally announced its candidate for Ripon which is almost certain to be former Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong.
Read More: Ararat