Veteran MP Joe Hockey will be replaced in the safe Liberal seat of North Sydney on December 5.

Ex-Treasurer Mr Hockey quit Australian politics last week after a career that spanned nearly two decades.

His decision came the month after political ally Tony Abbott was ousted as Prime Minister.

The date for the by-election was confirmed on Monday, after the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, announced that he had issued a writ for the by-election. Nominations will be declared on November 13.

• Three hurt in ferris wheel fall
• Girl, 11, found dead after party
• Rupert Murdoch dating Jerry Hall

The battle for Mr Hockey’s replacement has, according to reports, turned controversial.

The Age reports that some within the Liberal Party believe the speed of the process to replace Mr Hockey has been designed to work in favour of favourite – and acting party president – Trent Zimmerman.

Further accusations of undue haste were made after the Herald Sun obtained emails showing potential voters were sent registration forms via email at 7.30pm last Thursday – and expected to have returned the forms by midday on Friday.

Mr Zimmerman’s role as party president has also been criticised as a conflict of interest, due to the president’s involvement in laying out rules for party elections.

However, Mr Zimmerman will not make any decisions relating to the upcoming by-election.

It is believed Mr Zimmerman’s competition will include local businessman John Hart and academic Helen Cartledge.

Mr Hart is without political experience, and owns a catering company.