Former federal Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer has won preselection to contest the state seat of Malvern, in Melbourne's inner east, at next year's Victorian election.

Ms Hamer was endorsed at a party meeting on Sunday, after former opposition leader Michael O'Brien announced he would not contest the next election.

"Hamer joins Jess Wilson’s next-generation Liberal team as the first candidate selected for the upcoming Victorian election in 2026," the opposition said in a statement.

Ms Hamer unsuccessfully ran for the federal seat of Kooyong at this year's election, losing narrowly to teal MP Monique Ryan.

During her campaign, Ms Hamer received criticism for pitching herself as a renter, despite owning two investment properties.

The electorate covers more than 20 square kilometres and

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