Ex-Soldier to Challenge Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at Next Election

Buoyed by the Werribee by-election, veteran Jon Metrikas is excited about his latest challenge against the defence minister for the seat of Corio.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles responds to a reporter's question before the start of a meeting with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Former soldier, now business manager Jon Metrikas will challenge Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles after drawing inspiration from the state Werribee by-election, which saw a major swing against Labor.

Earlier this month, Liberal candidate Steve Murphy came close to winning the Labor stronghold (16.6 percent of voters turned away), which has been held by the incumbent state government since 1979.