Manly By-Election’s Model Candidate Rob Giltinan Exits Race of Mike Baird’s Vacant Seat Robbie Patterson, Manly Daily - July 21, 2017 Libs Line Up for Council Selection Rob Giltinan and Mike Baird at a function A POTENTIAL threat to the preselection of Walter Villatora as the Liberal Party’s candidate for the by-election of Mike Baird’s vacant Manly seat has dropped out of the race. Rob Giltinan, a former staffer to Premier Gladys Berejiklian, informed members of the Manly state electoral conference earlier this week that he was withdrawing his candidacy. Mr Giltinan made headlines when modelling shots emerged around the same time his candidacy was revealed. Rob Giltinan at a modelling shoot in Sydney In an email he told the party’s members that while he “nominated for Manly as a young candidate with a burning passion to serve” he indicated a desire not to take votes away from Mr Villatora. Liberal party candidate for the seat of Manly, Walter Villatora. Picture: Troy Snook “I have formed the strong view that another candidate holds the deep respect of the majority of members,” Mr Giltinan wrote. “Walter Villatora has made a significant contribution to the Liberal Party and Manly electorate, and possesses the necessary political skills, life experience and business know-how to make an outstanding member.” Mr Giltinan, a member of the conservative side of the Liberal Party, argued that his factional peer, Mr Villatora’s political history made him an ideal candidate. Mr Villatora was campaign manager for both former premier Mike Baird and former prime minister Tony Abbott. Modelling pictures of Robert Giltinan. Rob Giltinan in a modelling shoot in Milan. Picture: Scoop Agency. “With major projects in the pipeline, including the northern beaches tunnel, Manly needs a fighter with strong political skills in Parliament to ensure that funding and logistical outcomes are consistent with the demands of the electorate,” he wrote. “I have no doubt that Walter’s unmatched campaign experience will deliver outstanding results at the by-election.” Mr Villatora is considered a frontrunner to claim the Liberal ticket alongside former Manly councillor James Griffin. It is believed preselection will occur between March 13 and 15. And while the party’s state executive’s 56-votes indicate a higher vote for Mr Griffin, Mr Villatora is believed to have a stronger showing locally. Liberal candidate James Griffin who will contest the Manly Council election. Mr Villatora’s push for a “democratisation” of the Liberals — which would allow every party member of Manly to have a vote on their preferred candidate — is seen as a threat to the moderate faction-run State Executive’s power, according to sources.
Mr Giltinan is the second candidate to withdraw to make way for Mr Villatora, with Young Liberal president Alex Dore withdrawing before the close of preselection nominations. Mr Dore is believed to have told colleagues he was supporting Mr Villatora’s bid. Among the remaining hopefuls are John Hart, chief executive of Restaurant and Catering Australia. Former Wallaby and retired investment banker Bill Calcraft is believed to be an outsider. He is not factionally aligned, possibly hindering his support base. Nick McGowan is a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal focused on migration and refugees.
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