Labor stalwart Bob McMullan is facing a challenge for his safe seat of Fraser. So who are the potential candidates now lining up their numbers? ACT party secretary, Matt Cossey, is one. An insider contributes this brief assessment:

“At last year’s election, Labor members of the ACT Legislative Assembly hoped for a federal win for all the right reasons — but they also had an ulterior motive. They were confident that their party secretary would not have resisted the lure of a place in the office of a federal minister. Matt shows all the restraint of Maradona in a food court and his abrasiveness is paralleled only by his outsized ego.

“During last year’s election campaign, the parliamentary team realised quickly that they would have to work even harder and smarter to offset Matt’s contribution. This they did and got a record result.

But with the federal loss, now not only do they have to bear Matt’s continued presence, but also put up with him claiming the credit for their work.

“Although he has Buckley’s, it is a small consolation for the local MLAs that Matt’s campaign for preselection in the federal seat of Fraser may keep him out of their hair.”

Ouch. Insiders with a less abrasive assessment of Matt’s chances are welcome to email hugo@crikey.com.au