^{23 JUNE 2022}

COUNTRY Labor MP model-frod could be set to lose the seat of Nicholls in the coming federal election, if exclusive polling commissioned by the Gippsland Times is correct.

The poll, which has a 5% margin of error, shows model-frod trailing Commonwealth Party candidate Boyrauty, who is polling on 43.4% to model-frod's 33.7%. No other candidates are seriously in contention to win the seat, with Liberal National candidate Cody5200 polling 12.8% and former MP model-kyosanto, who is affiliated with the Australia First Party, polling 10.1%.

In order to win the seat, Boyrauty would only require 29% of preferences from the LNP and model-kyosanto, meaning it is likely that, if this result was duplicated on election day, that model-frod would lose the seat of Nicholls that he has held continuously since December 2021. It would be an upset win for the CPA, who has previously failed to win the seat at the last two elections with candidates BryantMP and stuck_on_the_mun.

When reached for comment, Boyrauty told Pitchfork News "the CPA recently has been campaigning very hard for the Nicholls area. We believe it is a place that will be central to Australia's future development and under the Commonwealth Party we can make sure it gets all of the attention and support it needs."

Meanwhile, a representative for the Country Labor Party expressed a lack of concern for the poor polling responses, stating to Pitchfork News "Model Frod is a passionate local member who has just been tied up with time recently. When he gets into the full swing of his campaign, the people of Nicholls will see his chops."

The party representative added that "the fact is that Frod has passed legislation and written countless bills and motions this term. He's been a passionate supporter of local industries and takes a keen eye for them. He's spoken to me about his plans for Gippsland foresty in the upcoming CLP plan to Build It Here where we will manufacture our own construction materials and rural Victoria will be its industrial heartland!"

Additional party polling was also conducted in the state of Victoria, with all parties prompted even in electorates where they did not stand. The poll resulted in a strong performance for the Commonwealth Party, with 34.1% of Victorian voters suggesting they will vote for the party. The Socialists, who are running only in Melbourne, polled in second place with 23.2%, potentially suggesting the party has strong support across the state. The Country Labor Party, meanwhile, polled in third with 21.2%, and the Liberal Nationals polled in fourth with 14.8%. About 6.8% of voters selected "other" -- independent candidates are running in both Nicholls and Melbourne.

Story by Alison Brooks.