The Labor Party has selected a local executive who is no stranger to politics, Chris Buckingham, to lead its attempt to retain the most marginal seat in Victoria.
Mr Buckingham was preselected for the seat of Bass this week, where he will attempt to win the seat in the 2026 state election after current MP Jordan Crugnale announced her intention not to recontest.
“Jordan Crugnale has done an incredible amount of work for the people of Bass over the last seven years and will continue to do so over the next 12 months,” Mr Buckingham said.
“The community will reap the benefits for many years to come.”
Many may recognise him from his previous attempt at federal politics, when he ran for the former seat of McMillan in 2016.
Others may know him from his various roles over the years, such as CEO of the former Casey Cardinia Libraries.
“I am determined to retain the seat of Bass and will advocate on behalf of the electorate to ensure our community continues to prosper and grow,” Mr Buckingham said.
“Fairness goes to the very heart of how I work. No one should be held back and no one should be left behind.”
He is currently the CEO of consultancy firm The Fair Co. after spending two years leading the Latrobe Valley Authority, now known as Regional Development Victoria.
Bass is held by only 200 votes after Ms Crugnale won a second term in 2022.
Ms Crugnale has known Mr Buckingham for some time and she welcomed his pre-selection.
“I am so pleased that Chris Buckingham has been endorsed as our Labor candidate for Bass,” Ms Crugnale said.
“I have known Chris for many years now. He is grounded, a great listener, smart and brings an insurmountable amount of energy and drive to work with and for community to bring about positive change for the better.
“Chris will work his heart out to deliver the projects, programs and supports already underway and be an active and fierce advocate to ensure community priorities and needs are voiced and delivered so our growing, diverse and wonderful community can live and be well.
“I very much look forward to working with him over the next 12 months.”
