Former Geraldton MP Ian Blayney endorsed as Nationals’ candidate for Durack at May 21 federal election

More than a year after his State political career came to a crushing end at the hands of Labor’s landslide election victory, former Geraldton MP Ian Blayney is re-entering the political race — this time as the Nationals’ candidate for the federal seat of Durack. The Nationals WA revealed this weekend it had endorsed the experienced former politician to contest Durack at the federal election on May 21. Mr Blayney was Geraldton MP for 12.5 years before Labor’s Lara Dalton was swept to victory in the 2021 election. He spent the bulk of his time in State Parliament as a Liberal MP before defecting to the Nationals in 2019. The ex-MP has his work cut out for him, going up against Liberal Durack MP and Defence Industries Minister Melissa Price and Labor’s first-time candidate Jeremiah Riley. Mrs Price has held the vast electorate of Durack since 2013, and the Liberals currently have a 13.5 per cent margin. Greens’ candidate Biance McNeair is also contesting the seat. Mr Blayney said he was looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail taking up the issues important to the electorate. “I will be a champion for the people of Durack and WA by ensuring their voices are heard on a federal level,” Mr Blayney said. “Better mobile communications, further sustainable development of agriculture in the north of the state, increased defence presence and improving access to affordable childcare are all key issues for the electorate.” State Nationals president Tony Crook said Mr Blayney’s experience as a former regional MP meant he would hit the ground running ahead of the election. “Ian has a wealth of experience, is a seasoned campaigner and understands the issues facing the electorate of Durack,” Mr Crook said. Mr Blayney has had an extensive career in the Mid West, farming grain and sheep for 25 years at Eradu. State Leader Mia Davies welcomed Mr Blayney’s endorsement by the party’s state council. “Ian’s work ethic is outstanding and I’m pleased to have him back on the campaign trail for The Nationals WA,” she said.