Liberal MP Dave Sharma faces heat from independent in Wentworth climate showdown

From well-heeled Watsons Bay in the east, through Paddington and out to the edge of Redfern, climate is the one issue on the lips of voters (well, that and the potholes on New South Head Road).

Odile, out shopping on a rainy day in Double Bay, sums up the feeling of many residents when she indicates that, although she bears no ill will toward Sharma, she wants him out because of the party he represents.

A massive Sharma billboard looms large over the intersection of Darling Point Road, his name in giant white font above smaller text set against a background strikingly similar to the teal colour scheme adopted by the independents. The Liberal logo is even smaller, tucked away in the top corner.

Sharma has denied he was trying to co-opt the teal colour scheme, but some of his campaign posters do omit the Liberal logo.

Spender is new to campaigning, but not a total political newcomer. The daughter of former North Sydney MP John Spender, a frontbencher under Howard and Peacock, and the granddaughter of Sir Percy Spender, a cabinet minister under Menzies and Fadden, her Liberal party heritage has given way to an independent streak.

Elsewhere, Coalition MPs have demanded the independents state which major party they would back in a hung parliament.

Spender claims her opponent is out of step with the electorate.

Sharma was approached for this profile, but declined to participate. Other Liberals told the Guardian the pandemic had made it difficult for first-term MPs to get to know their local communities and make a mark, admitting Sharma and others may have their work cut out for them.

Eve and Bert, out for their regular morning walk along the waterfront at Rose Bay, disagree.

Ingrid says climate is down the list of issues she considers important.

Back in Double Bay, Fiona says she expects Wentworth to be extremely tight, but feels the tide turning.

Odile, dodging rain in the shopping laneway, says her choice is still weighing on her.