Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley spared preselection challenge after opponent blocked from running

Opposition leader Peter Dutton says he supports Ley along with other Liberals facing challenge, including Alex Hawke, Paul Fletcher and Melissa McIntosh

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Deputy Liberal leader, Sussan Ley, has been spared an embarrassing preselection contest after her would-be opponent was blocked from running against her in Farrer.

Guardian Australia understands that former state executive member, Jean Haynes, has had her candidacy blocked by the NSW Liberals' nomination review committee, effectively preventing her from contesting the preselection ballot.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup