Council & Politics
30 June, 2026
Libs finally make their pick
AFTER months of delays, the Liberal party has finally selected a candidate to run in Ripon at November’s election. Megan Read who lives in the Skipton district was successful at a preselection forum in Avoca on Wednesday night defeating former Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh, Lucas resident Nathan Anderson and Macedon resident Serge Petrovich.
It is understood Ms Read won more than 50% of votes in the first round of counting.
Ms Read is the Liberal’s second choice for Ripon after Andrew Kilmartin withdrew shortly after a preselection vote in December citing personal reasons.
The Advocate spoke briefly to Ms Read yesterday however she was unable to comment publicly on her candidacy until she is officially ratified by Liberal Party headquarters.
Ms Read was born in Creswick and owns a large farming property near Skipton.
In recent months, she has played a large role in the fire recovery effort around the Skipton district.
She believes her community roots will stand her in good stead for the campaign ahead.
“My style is authentic, grassroots local and empathetic with the inner strength and determination to get results. I do not ask politely for what this region deserves. I fight for it,” she said in her campaign brochure.
Ms Read becomes the fifth confirmed candidate for Ripon along with Labor’s Martha Haylett, Nationals Jo Armstrong, Greens Tim Drylie and independent Bernard Quince.
A One Nation representative has also confirmed it will stand a candidate, with a party official suggesting dozens of people have expressed interest running for Ripon.
“One Nation had between 2-3 dozen applicants for the candidacy of the Ripon electorate in Victoria.
“We have now shortlisted the very best candicates (sic) and we hope to announce our endorsed candidate soon.
“As we haven't endorsed a candidate yet, it goes to reason that any candidate claiming to be the One Nation candidate for Ripon is not endorsed and may not be the person One Nation ultimately chooses. I will be sure to make the announcement as soon as we have the endorsed candidate confirmed by our state executive branch of Victoria,” the spokesperson wrote.
Ripon is likely to be a key battleground in November with Ms Haylett only holding the seat with a 3% margin.
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