Liberal Party Replaces Candidate in Whitlam Over Controversial Comments

Benjamin Britton was disendorsed after remarks on women in ADF combat roles, with Nathaniel Smith stepping in as the new candidate weeks before the federal election.

• 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.

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