"Don’t just sit on the couch'' is the family motto of the Delahuntys. "Our family includes Labor activists, Nationals activists, Liberal activists," says aspiring federal Labor politician Mary Delahunty. "It doesn’t matter what your politics, as long as you’re involved."

True to the family maxim, Ms Delahunty has declared herself a candidate for ALP preselection in the inner south-east Melbourne seat of Macnamara (formerly Melbourne Ports) following the resignation this week of veteran local member Michael Danby.

Glen Eira councillor Mary Delahunty has announced her intention to run for preselection in the new seat of McNamara (formerly Melbourne Ports). Credit:Meredith O'Shea

The Glen Eira councillor and former mayor is the niece and namesake of former ABC reporter and Bracks-era planning minister Mary Delahunty. Born and raised in Victoria’s rural west, Cr Delahunty is also cousins with former Liberal premier Denis Napthine.

An Elsternwick resident, Cr Delahunty is one of three frontrunners from the ALP’s splintered right faction for the increasingly marginal Macnamara.