By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Corio is set to retain its safe-seat status after former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons decided against nominating for this year’s federal election.
The Geelong Indy understands Mr Lyons decided to take a break from the hurly burly of politics after his mayoral experiences.
He was this week overseas on business and out of contact.
The Indy understands Mr Lyons has enjoyed the break after State Government sacked Geelong’s council in April.
Nominations closed at noon on Thursday, with candidates declared 24 hours later.
The Indy reported last month that the region’s other federal electorate, the marginal seat of Corangamite, was garnering the lion’s share of attention from the major parties.
Corangamite received a series of political visitors from both sides over the past few weeks, many bearing funding announcements.
Incumbent Liberal MP Sarah Henderson is in a tight battle with Labor candidate Libby Coker and both hosted party leaders.
The Liberals have a 4.2 per cent margin in Corio but Labor front-bencher Richard Marles holds Corio with an edge of 13.5 per cent.
Before Thursday’s cut-off, Mr Lyons had refused to rule out standing as an independent, which could have reduced Labor’s hold on Corio with a likely preference swap between him and Liberal candidate Richard Lange.
Mr Lange said his campaign would remain unchanged despite Mr Lyons’ absence as a candidate.
“Nothing changes, we still want to make Corio matter,” Mr Lange said.
“We’ll focus on fact Corio has had 10 years of Mr Marles in the seat and it’s time to change.
“I want to be a strong advocate in government and represent local issues and try and make a difference. If I win I can do that.
“If Mr Lyons is not running it will be a tougher job but I can still advocate for Corio. I just get to run a bit harder.”
Mr Marles said he was concentrating on his candidacy for Corio.
“I’m talking to people about the positive plans Labor has in health and jobs and I’ve always welcomed anyone else who wants to participate in the discussion by nominating.
“I’m less concerned about who nominates and thinking more about my own message and my relationship with the electors of Corio.”
