The party announced four candidates had nominated for preselection, to take place on February 21.

The list confirmed speculation that Hunter-based Liberal MLC Robyn Parker would make the jump to the Lower House against Maitland councillors Bob Geoghegan and Stephen Mudd.

Newcastle councillor and financial planner Brad Luke is the fourth candidate.

The power lies with preselectors from the city’s Liberal Party branches and head office to choose which one will run as the Liberal candidate.

The winner has the task of claiming Maitland from the Labor Party, which has held the seat since 1999.

Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore held the seat for the Liberals from 1991 to 1999.

This is the first preselection process for the party since 2003, when Cr Geoghegan went

head-to-head with his Maitland City Council colleague Arch Humphery.

Cr Geoghegan was unopposed as the party’s candidate in 2007.

Liberal Party State director Mark Neeham said the 2011 election was an important one, and was pleased with the number of candidates putting their hands up for the job.

“Our members are playing a vital role in starting the change to turn this State around,” he said.

“All we get from Labor is a rotation of premiers without the real change NSW needs.

“That will only come through the election of a Liberal and Nationals government.”

The preselection process is expected to take several hours.

Candidates will take part in a round table discussion with small groups of preselectors, followed by a speech from each candidate.

They must then field questions.

A secret ballot will follow to choose the party’s candidate.

In addition to choosing the best person for the job, preselectors could also make history if Robyn Parker wins preselection.

She would have the chance to become Maitland’s first female MP if she led the Liberals to the city’s polling booths.