Fresh Liberal candidate to contest Kurrajong

In the wake of the Peter McKay debacle, the Liberals have secured a fresh candidate - the third in just over a month - to contest the seat of Kurrajong in the upcoming ACT election. Project manager and company director Rattesh Gumber has joined Candice Burch and Elizabeth Lee on the Liberals' team in the electorate. Mr Gumber moved to Canberra in 2016 with his wife and young family. He has served as an honorary multicultural ambassador, is a Justice of the Peace, and is heavily involved in the Federation of Indian Associations of the ACT. "I am putting myself forward because I know how hard it is for families and businesses to make ends meet and we need a government that is focused on helping everyone get ahead," Mr Gumber said. Unveiling his new candidate on Sunday, Opposition Leader Alistair Coe described Mr Gumber as "an impressive advocate for the multicultural community" and an asset to his team. Canberra Liberals director Josh Manuatu said Mr Gumber was "a well-respected member of Canberra's multicultural community and is passionate about making Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family." The fresh signing comes after former candidate Peter McKay resigned on August 11. He was bundled out after comments in which had condemned the Welcome to Country ceremony and alleged the ACT's "homosexual Chief Minister" influenced a police investigation. Leader Alistair Coe sought Mr McKay's resignation when the comments were revealed. Mr McKay's candidacy lasted less than 48 hours. The ex-army officer and public servant had been rushed in to contest the seat of Kurrajong as a replacement for Vijay Dubey, who resigned from the party ticket amid a falling out with party officials.