Former frontbencher lost the seat to independent Cathy McGowan at the 2013 federal election

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Sophie Mirabella has her sights on winning back the Victorian seat she lost at the 2013 federal election.

The former frontbencher and Liberal MP for Indi, who was roundly beaten by independent Cathy McGowan, plans to run in the party preselection contest for the electorate.

“Having spoken to Liberal party members and other locals, I confirm I will be nominating for the Liberal preselection in Indi,” Mirabella said in a statement to the Border Mail.

McGowan told ABC radio on Monday she welcomed the prospect of a diversity of candidates for the seat, which she won on a 50% two-candidate preferred swing two years ago.

The next federal election is due in 2016.