Smyth survives Rudd vote to stand again

By CASEY NEILL
LA TROBE MP Laura Smyth has been quick to dampen rumours that voting for Kevin Rudd in February’s Labor Party leadership spill had ruined her chances of re-contesting her seat.
Sources told the Mail that Ms Smyth would not receive pre-selection after voting against Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
But a senior ALP source told the Mail Ms Smyth was “one of our hardest working MPs at a local level”.
“And while there’s a pre-selection process I’d be very surprised if she wasn’t our candidate at the next election,” he said.
A spokesman for Ms Smyth said she would nominate for pre-selection and hoped to have the support from members to stand at the next federal election.
“While she doesn’t ever take this support for granted, she is confident that locals will know that Laura has worked hard to deliver for the local community,” he said.
“Laura has been active in the Federal Parliament, in the community, and has been a strong voice for progressive issues within the Labor Party locally and nationally.
“She hopes to continue her work for La Trobe residents and community groups.”
The pre-selection process is due to get underway in August.