By now, it’s obvious to anyone paying attention—Labor MP Meryl Swanson has a huge problem heading into the next federal election. That problem? The growing likelihood that Maitland’s Mayor, Philip Penfold, a strong and popular Independent, will challenge her for the seat of Paterson. Now, why does this matter? Because for years, Labor has treated Paterson as their personal property—a safe seat they can take for granted. Swanson has held the seat since 2016, coasting on the idea that the Labor brand alone was enough to keep her in Parliament. But after years of neglect, rising costs of living, and a...