The Courier understand Ms Smith had the flyers printed on Tuesday night and was surprised to learn how-to-vote cards were being handed out at a pre-poll centre without her knowledge still preferencing Mr Taylor. 

This comes after she aired fears about Mr Taylor’s views on abortion, which were made at the Australian Christian Lobby candidate forum on Friday night.

Ms Smith said she believed the comments indicated Mr Taylor had plans to campaign on rolling back the laws once elected. 

The spat is set to derail the Coalition’s chances in the marginal seat of Buninyong despite the huge amount of resources the Liberal Party has spent in the area. 

According to the Victorian Electoral Commission, official how-to-vote cards must be registered before Friday if they are to be approved for distribution within 400 metres of a voting centre. 

Earlier in the day, Mr Taylor made a rushed exit from a sporting facility announcement made by Premier Denis Napthine. 

Mr Taylor was hounded by members of the media as he made his exit, demanding to know his views on abortion and if he would campaign to roll back the laws if he was elected. 

Ms Smith told The Courier she believed she was the leading candidate for Buninyong and had the full support of The Nationals over the issue. 

Despite repeated phone calls to Mr Taylor on Tuesday night, he would not comment on the issue any further. 

Premier Denis Napthine said he had not spoke to Mr Taylor about his views and had no intention of doing so. 

A spokesperson for The Nationals reiterated the same comments that were made  on Monday that “decisions on preferences are made by the president of The Nationals and the state director”.

Mr Taylor’s has previously said he supported the Premier’s view there should be no change to the laws but would not answer directly if he would campaign to roll back the laws if elected.

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au