Overview
- Benjamin Britton was disendorsed as the Liberal candidate for the NSW seat of Whitlam after expressing views deemed inconsistent with the party's position.
- Britton's controversial comments included advocating for the removal of women from Australian Defence Force combat roles, citing alleged physical strain and medical discharge rates.
- Nathaniel Smith, former NSW MP and current CEO of the Master Plumbers Association of NSW, has been endorsed as the new Liberal candidate for Whitlam.
- Labor MP Stephen Jones criticized the timing of the disendorsement, framing it as evidence of disarray within the Liberal Party ahead of the May 3 election.
- The controversy has drawn attention to the Liberal Party's candidate vetting process and internal dynamics as Whitlam remains a key battleground seat.