Ex-Liberal strategist, pollster Stansfield in Senate tilt

Tasmanian political strategist Brad Stansfield has announced he will seek preselection for a Senate seat in the upcoming federal election. Stansfield, owner of the EMRS polling firm and former partner at Font PR, has a long history advising the Tasmanian Liberal Party.

He guided the party through successful state election campaigns between 2014 and 2024. Stansfield also served as chief of staff to former Liberal Premier Will Hodgman for eight years and to former Liberal Senator Eric Abetz from 2007 to 2010. He is also a co-owner of regional Tasmanian newspapers.

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Senate preselections have opened, and I have decided to throw my hat into the ring.

Stansfield made his announcement on the political podcast 'Poll Position,' which he co-hosts. He cited concerns about the Liberal Party's direction and the nation's future as his motivation for entering politics. "I've formed the view that if a potential opportunity comes along, either I keep on yelling at them through this pod and other mechanisms, or I ask to be invited inside the tent and see if I can make a difference from there," he stated.

His decision comes as current Liberal Senator Wendy Askew will not recontest her seat. Political analyst Kevin Bonham noted that the second Liberal seat is at risk of falling to One Nation, suggesting that candidate names may play a lesser role than party affiliation in Senate races.

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I've formed the view that if a potential opportunity comes along, either I keep on yelling at them through this pod and other mechanisms, or I ask to be invited inside the tent and see if I can make a difference from there.