Mrs Hancock, who is also Speaker of the NSW Lower House, said the federal MP should stick to federal issues that affect her electorate.

“She should confine herself to talking about federal issues such as cuts to health funding. She should explain why Malcolm Turnbull appears to be turning his back on public education education funding,” Mrs Hancock said. 

“She should perhaps talk about funding for the new bridge over the Shoalhaven and federal funding for highway upgrade. And she could talk to the electors about her position on marriage equality.”

She accused Mrs Sudmalis of falling into a trap set by Labor and Shoalhaven councillor Greg Watson by seconding the motion at a public meeting in Sanctuary Point on Monday night.

“There was nothing courageous about seconding a vitriolic motion condemning the Baird government. It was a trap and Ann has fallen into it,” Mrs Hancock said.

The motion, moved by Vincentia High School teacher Bob Proudfoot and seconded by Mrs Sudmalis read: “This public rally condemns the Baird Government for its arrogant and ill-considered merger proposal, and directs Mr Baird to withdraw it forthwith. The rally also calls on local member, Shelley Hancock, and Mayor, Jo Gash, to show greater support for their communities’ desire to reject the amalgamation.”

The motion was carried but not unanimously. Liberal Party member and Shoalhaven councillor Andrew Guile did not vote for it.

Mrs Sudmalis’s support for the motion has enraged fellow Liberals, with the regular three levels of government meetings between Mrs Hancock, Kiama MP Gareth Ward, Mrs Sudmalis and Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash now understood to be in jeopardy.   

Mr Ward defended the efforts of Mrs Hancock and himself over the merger proposal.

“We have put forward a solid case during this period in which evidence was being collected to determine these matters,” he said.

“Shelley and I work as a strong team in Macquarie Street and we know our community expects results rather than the politics of erraticism.”