The Mornington Labor candidate has finally been announced just 46 days before Victoria’s November 28 state election, while neighbouring Nepean remains without a publicly named Labor contender.
Kerry Macdonald, a Mount Martha resident and former senior public servant, was announced on October 13, leaving just over six weeks to campaign against Liberal incumbent Chris Crewther and other established candidates, including Ashli Beards and Adrian Maher.
The timing raises questions about Labor’s election preparations across the Mornington Peninsula, particularly after the party chose not to contest the Nepean by-election earlier this year.
Mornington Labor Candidate Explains Late Entry
Speaking to RPP FM, Macdonald attributed her late entry to personal consideration and Labor’s candidate-vetting process.
We’re raring to go to hit the ground running.
Macdonald said her campaign had been carefully planned. She identified clean energy, homelessness and climate resilience among her priorities.
At the 2022 election, Labor secured 21.98 per cent of first-preference votes in Mornington, according to the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Crewther won the seat, defeating independent Kate Lardner by just 590 votes after preferences.
Nepean Still Without Labor Candidate
As of October 18, STPL News has not identified a publicly announced Labor candidate for Nepean, despite the election being less than six weeks away.
The party also declined to contest the May 2026 Nepean by-election, which saw Liberal Anthony Marsh elected following Sam Groth’s resignation.
Labor previously held Nepean from 2018 to 2022 under Chris Brayne, who secured 32.64 per cent of first-preference votes at the last general election, according to VEC results.
Other candidates, including Marsh, One Nation’s Darren Hercus, Greens candidate Sianan Healy and independent Kim Robbins, have already established their campaigns.
Questions Remain Over Labor’s Preparations
While Macdonald has explained the timing of her candidacy, questions remain over why Labor finalised its Mornington candidate so close to election day and whether it intends to contest Nepean.
The Victorian Electoral Commission confirms nominations close at noon on November 9.
With 41 days remaining until polling day as of October 18, Labor has yet to publicly clarify its intentions for Nepean.
