SHERRY SUFI is set to contest Fremantle for the Liberals at the federal election after winning the local pre-selection battle.

Described as an “intellectual conservative” by party insiders, Mr Sufi‚ the party’s state policy chair and Fremantle division secretary, saw off a challenge from Pierrette Kelly, a staffer for senator Chris Back.

Local small business owner Philip Mercer had been in the race but pulled out prior to Tuesday’s branch members’ vote at the Tradewinds Hotel in Fremantle.

The Liberal state council is scheduled to meet this weekend (Saturday, April 9) and is expected to endorse Mr Sufi and not overrule the branch members’ decision.

In 2013 Mr Sufi sought election to Cockburn council, contesting east ward. He finished last with 515 votes and 11.32 per cent of the vote.

He previously worked for state speaker Michael Sutherland in his Mt Lawley electoral office.

Matthew Hanssen ran for the Liberals in 2013 and won 38.14 per cent of the primary vote (to Labor’s 40.82), shrinking Labor’s 2PP margin to under five per cent.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK