Only a terrible Eden Monaro result could unsettled Albo’s leadership

over 3 years in theaustralian

It would take a disastrous loss at this weekend's Eden-Monaro to rattle Anthony Albanese’s leadership, according to well-placed sources in the Labor party.

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says these sources do not expect a leadership challenge if there is a narrow loss when the election in held on Saturday.

“One obvious reason – no-one can agree on a better candidate,” Mr Clennell said.

“About eight people want the job and no-one has demonstrated they would necessarily be more electorally palatable than Albanese.”

The seat of Eden-Monaro was left vacant after Labor MP Mike Kelly retired, citing long-standing health issues.

Labor holds the seat by a wafer thin margin of 0.9 per cent, and internal polling indicates the Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs is ahead on the primary vote.

If Ms Kotvojs won the seat, it would be the first time in over 100 years a government has won a seat off an opposition in a by-election.

Mr Clennell said Labor is concerned its candidate, Kristy McBain, is not securing enough support to win the seat without relying on significant support from preferences.

"The problem for Labor in this contest Saturday night is that McBain’s primary vote in the seat is quite low, according to internal polling,” Mr Clennell said.

“Despite this, I am getting differing speculation. Some Liberals tell me it’s in the bag, others say they will fall short on preferences.”

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