Labor candidate overlooked for Kristina Keneally touted for NSW state seat

The Guardian understands senior Labor figures have been testing local support for Tu Le, the Vietnamese-Australian lawyer who was controversially pushed aside to allow Keneally to run in Fowler in May, to run in either Cabramatta or Fairfield at the New South Wales election in March.

It comes after sitting the Fairfield MP, Guy Zangari, announced he would retire at the next election, with Cabramatta MP Nick Lalich also considering his future.

Rumours that she may have institutional support to avoid a rank-and-file vote have sparked angst among local members furious at the suggestion the party may bypass what would be a hotly contested preselection in both seats should Lalich also retire.

But Le said that while she was open to the prospect of running, she also supported a rank-and-file vote.

If she did run, she could face a crowded field.

Former police officer David Saliba, who unsuccessfully challenged Zangari in Fairfield at the last election, is also understood to be considering running for preselection.