NSW Nationals choose David Layzell for crucial Upper Hunter by-election

The Nationals bid to retain the seat of Upper Hunter at a crucial by-election is off to a precarious start, after the party hierarchy’s preferred candidate was snubbed for preselection.

Last night, local branch members picked construction manager David Layzell to contest the seat, which was vacated after disgraced MP Michael Johnsen resigned last week.

The ABC understands Singleton mayor Sue Moore was the preferred candidate among several senior party figures for the important contest, which…