The state Liberal party’s so-called broad church has left some true believers crying in the chapel after a weekend preselection tempest.

But was it also a sure sign that an emerging group of loyalists has been shot down in flames?

A winner takes all vote was held for the Legislative Council ticket which coughed up a mixed bag result but strangely reflected a steady as she goes approach.

Despite a tussle between extreme conservatives, ordinary conservatives, centre right representatives and the once dominant moderates, little has changed.

Ben Hood remains in top position, Heidi Girolamo was voted into second spot, followed by Rowan Mumford, Thea Hennessey, KD Singh and Belinda Crawford-Marshall.

Only the top two are arguably household names with Mumford also vaguely familiar being a former state party president, with the rest not ringing any bells except for those within the party.

On current polling trends, only the first three will be elected next March, with the others disappearing into the political ether.

But it’s what you can’t readily see in the build-up and aftermath which should be of key interest.

Behind the scenes the Libs had been running the risk, yet again, of tearing themselves apart.

Senator Alex Antic has been a powerful and growing force, both........

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