Liberals claim underdog status in Aston byelection as party faces calls for a woman to replace Alan Tudge

The campaign will be a crucial early test for the opposition and leader Peter Dutton

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Peter Dutton and Sussan Ley have claimed the Liberals will start as the “underdog” in the Aston byelection, as the opposition seeks a candidate – preferably a woman – to retain Alan Tudge’s seat.

The shadow minister for education announced his retirement on Thursday, just nine months after he retained the eastern Melbourne seat despite a 7.3% swing to Labor at the 2022 election.

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