Malcolm Turnbull has reportedly contacted Wentworth candidate Dave Sharma, urging him to stay in the race as pre-selection looms.

Mr Turnbull’s stance directly contradicts that of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who’s made it clear that a woman should contest the seat for the Liberals.

Former prime minister John Howard has also reportedly backed Mr Sharma as a candidate.

Nine News Reporter Chris O’Keefe has broken the story, telling Ben Fordham Mr Turnbull made the call today from New York.

“It’s my information that Malcolm Turnbull and Lucy Turnbull, from their apartment in New York City… they got on the phone and rang Dave Sharma, telling him to stay in the race.”

Mr Sharma was reportedly being urged to pull out of the race to “pave the way” for Katherine O’Regan.

Chris says Mr Sharma will “absolutely” stand for pre-selection tonight.

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