Updated May 24, 2018 00:24:13

Photo: Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis was facing a battle for pre-selection in her electorate. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)

Senior Liberals have intervened to save the political career of one of the few female MPs in the Turnbull Government, Ann Sudmalis.

Ms Sudmalis was facing a pre-selection challenge in her marginal New South Wales seat of Gilmore but the ABC understands Treasurer Scott Morrison, and MPs Alex Hawke and Trent Zimmermann have worked behind the scenes to shore up her support.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has also reportedly intervened.

Several sources say party powerbroker and NSW Liberal MP Gareth Ward was behind the campaign against Ms Sudmalis but has since agreed to back off.

While the pair is understood to have a "poisonous relationship", the ABC understands Ann Sudmalis has Mr Ward's support, all but guaranteeing her preselection for Gilmore.

Sources claimed Mr Ward himself had been considering challenging Ms Sudmalis — and making the leap into federal politics — but he flatly denies this.

It is unclear whether one of the frontrunners, real estate agent Grant Schultz, is still considering nominating. He has not returned the ABC's phone calls.

Senior Liberals have spent the past week working the phones to fend off a challenge, fearing that dumping Ms Sudmalis would embarrass the Prime Minister at a time when female representation in the Coalition is a sensitive issue.

The Liberals' 'women problem' was recently thrust into the spotlight again following frontbencher Jane Prentice's shock pre-selection defeat in Queensland.

With another female MP in the firing line, Mr Turnbull publicly endorsed Ms Sudmalis, describing her as a "phenomenal member" who had his strongest support.

Mr Morrison enthusiastically backed Ms Sudmalis, embracing her in front of TV cameras and telling preselectors she was the 'right candidate'.

The ABC understands Paul Ell, a local lawyer who was considering running for preselection, has confirmed with local branch members that he has pulled out of the race.

Nominations for NSW preselections close on Friday and while Ms Sudmalis appears safe, there are suggestions Liberal MPs including Craig Kelly and John Alexander could face challengers.

Topics: government-and-politics, federal-government, australia

First posted May 23, 2018 22:44:23