NSW Liberal Executive playing a 'power trip' which is 'aiding and abetting' Zali Steggall

Sky News host Chris Smith says the chance to defeat the "under fire" Climate 200 Independent Candidate Zali Steggall in the seat of Warringah is “slowly but surely being lost”.

“The Liberal Party still hasn't selected a candidate. How fast asleep can you be? Or is it the moderate arm of the party exercising some of their infamous brand of conservative cleansing?” Mr Smith said.

“They have one, young local, a loyal Liberal Party member in Lincoln Parker, who’s nominated fairly under the rules.”

He said Mr Parker was the “only one standing” but because he wasn’t a factional moderate, head office has reopened nominations, “ignoring him time and time again”.

Mr Smith said the NSW Liberal Executive was playing a “power trip” and “aiding and abetting” Zali Steggall, to remain in Parliament.

“They don't want to win the seat; they want to have the right to own the candidate.

“I barrack for Lincoln Parker because he’s been in this studio several times, he’s full of common sense, has an incredible grasp of national security issues.

“For heaven's sake, select Lincoln Parker, start exposing Zali Steggall, and get on with it.”