It has been confirmed that sitting Liberal member for Geraldton Ian Blayney has provided funding in his private capacity as a ratepayer to the City of Greater Geraldton Ratepayers Demand Change association.

The CGGRDC has been incorporated and is preparing to mount a legal challenge to the City of Greater Geraldton through the State Administrative Tribunal over rate increases in July 2012.

However, questions have been raised as to whether a sitting member and candidate in the State election should be providing funding to a group attacking the local government of his constituency.

Labor’s candidate for Geraldton Kathryn Mannion said “it appears Mr Blayney has some serious questions to answer”.

“In the heat of a State election campaign, it is questionable as to whether Mr Blayney has breached the Electoral Act — at least in spirit,” Ms Mannion said.