Warringah candidate distances herself from preference deals

Zali Steggall has distanced herself from preference deals as she gears up to challenge former prime minister Tony Abbott for his Sydney seat of Warringah. Ms Steggall says she would welcome preferences from candidates expected to challenge Mr Abbott, who has held the seat since 1994. The Olympic Ski Champion-turned barrister has described herself as a 'true independent', saying it is 'important to respect' people have their 'own views on preferences'. The blue-ribbon seat on Sydney's northern beaches is held by the Liberals with a margin of 11.1 per cent. Image: News Corp Australia