News

Nationals preselection could answer Shepparton’s hottest question

By Ashley Darling

Aug 12, 2026

Preselection for the National Party’s Shepparton candidate is open. Alexander Lew (right) has thrown his hat in the ring, and rumours are circulating about City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali (left). Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Preselection nominations for the National Party’s Shepparton candidate are open until Friday, August 14 — a deadline that may finally answer the question on everyone’s lips.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Rumours about the current City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali making a switch to state politics have saturated Shepparton’s political scene since the beginning of the year.

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe announced she would not be re-contesting her seat in July, which opened the door for a potential preselection contest within the National Party.

As of the morning of Tuesday, August 11, Cr Sali had not entered the preselection contest or committed to running in the state election.

If he decides to enter the contest, he will have to face a challenge from Alexander Lew, a prosecutor from Burramboot who works in Shepparton.

Mr Lew is currently on leave while he seeks an endorsement from the National Party and has secured the required number of signatures to enter the preselection contest.

In a brochure distributed to party members, Mr Lew leant on his connections to Shepparton and promised to run a “relentless law and order campaign”.

Both men have previous associations with the Liberal Party, with Mr Lew having served as a Liberal-aligned councillor in Melbourne and Cr Sali having family connections.

The Liberal Party is able to contest against the National Party when there is no incumbent member; however, it has not opened preselections for Shepparton.

If Cr Sali does not enter the preselection contest, he would still be able to stand for election for another party or as an independent.

If you intend to run as a candidate at the state election, please contact The News on 5820 3221 or editor@sheppnews.com.au