The Liberal Party has dumped a candidate who told a podcast women should not be in the army, just days before the close of nominations.

It was reported on Sunday that Benjamin Britton, the party’s candidate for the NSW seat of Whitlam, would be replaced after he blamed “diversity and equity quotas, Marxist ideology and woke ideologies” for weakening Australia’s defence.

Mr Britton, who served Australia in the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, lost endorsement for the Wollongong-area seat being vacated by financial services minister Stephen Jones, who is retiring from parliament.

“The administrative committee of the NSW division met today and has endorsed Nathaniel Smith as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Whitlam,’’ a Liberal spokesperson said.

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“This follows a decision to dis-endorse Benjamin Britton over views expressed which were not previously disclosed and are inconsistent with the party’s position.”

Candidate nominations close at midday on Thursday with the ballot draw to be held on Friday.