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Independent asks Liberals: “Why now?” on Croydon candidate switch Independent candidate for Croydon David Vanderwolf has called on the Victorian Liberal Party to explain why it has replaced its endorsed candidate, Grant Hutchinson, when no reason has been given to the community. Mr Hutchinson was endorsed in November 2025. He is a long-standing Liberal member and former Vice President. Were the Liberal Party aware of the matters involving Mr Hutchinson’s law firm when they preselected him? “The Liberal Party has told Croydon what has changed, but not why,” Mr Vanderwolf said. “If the concerns were known when they preselected Mr Hutchinson, why now? The people of Croydon deserve a real answer, and only the Liberal Party can give it.” Mr Vanderwolf said the Liberals had an opportunity to show they were serious about doing politics differently. “They’ve promised ‘A Fresh Start’. Integrity in politics is a core value of my campaign, and I challenge them to show what that looks like by being open with this community.” Mr Vanderwolf congratulated Toby Wooldridge on accepting the endorsement and said he looked forward to meeting him on the campaign trail. About David Vanderwolf David Vanderwolf is a community independent candidate for the District of Croydon at the November 2026 Victorian election. An economist with experience working with government, he is campaigning on integrity in politics, free from party direction and vested interests. Media contact: media@dave4croydon.com.au