Independent Candidate Clarke Martin to Challenge Liberal MP Brad Rowswell in Victorian Election

Strategic Insights -

Clarke Martin, a former mayor and serving councillor, is set to run as an independent for the seat of Sandringham in the upcoming Victorian election. Backed by the Bayside Independent group, a splinter from the Voices of Goldstein, Martin aims to challenge Liberal party MP Brad Rowswell, who holds the seat with a 0.65% margin. This is Martin's third tilt at the seat, following his previous runs in 2014 and 2018, where he campaigned to save the Beaumaris campus of Sandringham college from closure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarke Martin, a former suburban mayor and serving councillor, will run as an independent for the seat of Sandringham in the Victorian election.
  • Martin's campaign will be backed by the Bayside Independent group, which has ties to the successful "teal" federal candidate Zoe Daniel.
  • The seat of Sandringham has a 0.65% margin, which is set to shrink further after redistribution.
  • Martin's previous campaigns have focused on saving the Beaumaris campus and improving public education, responsible development, and environmental protection.
  • The Liberal party has announced $25 million for upgrades to the Sandringham hospital, $10 million for a comprehensive erosion plan for Port Phillip Bay, and removal of level crossings.
  • Martin's campaign is part of a broader trend of independents emerging as a force in Victorian politics, following the success of the "teals" federally.

Statistics:

  • The seat of Sandringham has a 0.65% margin, which is set to shrink further after redistribution.
  • Martin received 8.45% of the primary vote in the 2018 election.
  • The Reserve Road campus was reopened as a stand-alone secondary school in 2018 and has received around $45 million in government funding.
  • Martin's previous campaign, the Make Bayside Better campaign, won over 10.8% of the primary vote in 2014.

Sources:

  • "Independent Sandringham candidate Clarke Martin says there's been a 'real awakening' in the Victorian electorate following the success of the teals federally." (Guardian Australia)
  • "The Liberal party has announced $25m for an upgrade of the Sandringham hospital, $10m for the development of a comprehensive erosion plan for Port Phillip Bay and the removal of the Highett Road and Wickham Road level crossings." (Guardian Australia)
  • "The Reserve Road campus was reopened as a stand-alone secondary school in 2018 and has received around $45m in government funding." (Guardian Australia)
  • "In the 2018 election, in a larger field of candidates, Martin received about 8.45% of the primary vote." (Guardian Australia)