Former television news anchor Jo Palmer is set to stand for the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council seat of Rosevears.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Liberal Party sources say the Liberals were meeting on Tuesday night to decide their candidate for the election in May. It is believed Ms Palmer who presented her last news bulletin on Seven News last Friday will be the only candidate.
"With Jo, I'm confident we will win," one Liberal source told The Examiner.
Another MP said it was the worst kept secret in politics.
Sitting Rosevears independent member Kerry Finch will retire after 18 years. Mr Finch said it would be a great contest.
"Jo is a friend of mine and is a wonderful person but I would prefer to have an independent member rather than another party rubber stamp," he said.
The Labor Party and Greens announced their candidates last year along with former Launceston mayor Janie Finlay. Ms Palmer, who could not be contacted for comment, last week said her contract prevented her from commenting on some matters. However, those close to her said she has shown interest in standing for the Legislative Council but she was playing her cards close to her chest. It is believed that she has been approached to stand by all sides of politics at previous state elections.
Some observers have expressed surprise that she has chosen to run for the Liberal Party believing she would have stood as an independent. In recent weeks the Liberal Party has refused to be drawn on who would be it's candidate in Rosevears.
President Rod Scurrah has not responded to calls and messages.
Former Liberal minister Rene Hidding was believed to have wanted to run for the seat but ruled out running.