Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne is making a bold play to be re-elected in the upcoming local council elections, despite being replaced as the Liberal candidate.

After being ousted by factional ‘cherry-picking’, Dr Byrne told Ray Hadley she has requested dispensation from the state director to run as an independent candidate.

If the party refuse to let her run she will “weigh up” running as an independent regardless, despite her love for the Liberal Party.

“I think what is happening here is untoward … the community now should be the ones that determine my fate.

“I have to fight for what is right, regardless of the personal cost.”

Ray made a bold declaration of support for Dr Byrne, encouraging Hills Shire residents to join him in voting for her and condemning the “Machiavellian” effort to oust her.

“She’s done a very good job as mayor, she’s been torpedoed by the state executive.

“Philip Ruddock, hang your head in shame … what you’ve allowed to happen under your stewardship as the President of the Liberal Party in NSW is an absolute disgrace.”

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