Arabic version: هاتشينسون يسعى للعودة مرشحاً ليبرالياً عن كرويدون

According to ABC News, Grant Hutchinson has sent a legal letter demanding the Victorian Liberals reinstate him as their candidate for Croydon by Friday, after the party removed him from the role last week.

Hutchinson was replaced by Toby Wooldridge at a state executive meeting on Monday night. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson had said “new information” had emerged concerning Hutchinson’s ongoing litigation with his former law firm. The party had been concerned he failed to disclose the legal proceedings, but Hutchinson denies that claim.

The letter from RV Lawyers says the allegation of non-disclosure is “factually false” and argues the proceedings were disclosed during Hutchinson’s vetting and preselection process. It says he was not given a right of reply and calls on the party to provide evidence of any new information relating to the civil proceedings.

Solicitor Rod Veith, acting for Hutchinson, also alleges the state executive meeting was not properly convened because members were not warned they would vote on Hutchinson’s candidacy or Wooldridge’s endorsement. The letter seeks written notices, agendas and minutes from the meeting, attendance details and submissions, while preserving records related to Hutchinson’s disendorsement.

Hutchinson and Liberal headquarters declined to comment on Wednesday night. Asked about the matter on Thursday morning, Wilson said it was for the Liberal Party. Croydon member David Hodgett is retiring after 20 years in parliament. The Liberals hold the seat by 1.4 per cent ahead of the November 28 election.