At the 2007 federal election, the opposition Kevin Rudd-led Labor Party defeated the incumbent John Howard-led Liberal-National coalition government.

[citation needed] Nelson had initially indicated (16 February 2009) he would stay as the member until the next election, at which time he would retire from parliament.

Although fairly safe on paper, some commentators including Malcolm Mackerras tipped the Greens to win in Higgins, and force the Liberals to preferences in Bradfield.

[5][6] The following table is the order and party affiliation of each candidate who has nominated to contest the seat of Bradfield on 5 December 2009.

[19] Changes to the CDP platform, as suggested by the controversial survey, had not been sighted or approved by many of its candidates.

Being the author of the survey, which included questions on whether the Government should be able to deport Muslims, and whether mosques and Islamic schools should be banned, Darby faced expulsion from the party.

[21] He was ultimately relieved of his position, and party leader, Fred Nile, offered an apology for the survey, also stating that the CDP would not run multiple candidates in any electorates in future.