Smith ups pressure on Bishop to leave

Entrepreneur Dick Smith has repeated his threat to run as an independent in the federal Liberal stronghold of Mackellar, as pressure mounts on incumbent Bronwyn Bishop to stand down.

The businessman and philanthropist would prefer Mrs Bishop departed politics and the Liberal party chose a younger candidate.

"I don't really want to be a politician, I'd much rather that the Libs put someone young in there with some young, new ideas," the 71-year-old told Sydney radio 2GB.

But if that didn't happen he could run as an independent, potentially splitting the conservative vote.

Mrs Bishop, 73, has held the safe north Sydney seat since 1994.

"I've been pushed into this, there is a group of people who have done a survey that says I would romp it in," Mr Smith said.