McNally is the new councillor

Jo McNally will soon take her place at the Southern Downs Regional Council table after winning the by-election race by 327 votes.

HER phone rang at 2.55pm yesterday and after a short a congratulatory conversation, it was official.

Jo McNally will soon take her place at the Southern Downs Regional Council table after winning the by-election race by 327 votes.

“It was such a relief to get that call,” the Warwick mother of two said.

Now begins the daunting task of playing catch-up, as Mrs McNally has taken office halfway through the council term.

“It’s all over, but now I have to catch up,” she said.

“To begin with there will be a lot of reading.”

When Mrs McNally first lodged her name in contention for the role as councillor she was met with a mixed response.

“A lot of people thought I was too young,” the 41-year-old scoffed.

“I think people of my age group and younger wanted a fresh face and I think women related to me. I want to thank everyone for their support.”

An SDRC spokeswoman said yesterday 18,654 formal votes were recorded, 584 informal votes and 738 return to sender. The total votes returned was 19,976 or 85.4 per cent.

The former police officer’s husband Ian could not restrain his happiness at the celebratory afternoon tea at the Visitor Information Centre.

“I’m so proud; she’ll do a great job,” Mr McNally said.

If you’ve been observant, you may have seen the McNally-mobile cruising through the Rose City with the distinctive ‘JO4PM’ number plates.

“Yes, that’s my car,” she laughed. “A present from my husband.”

So could our new councillor today become tomorrow’s prime minister?

At least she is a step closer.

Originally published as McNally is the new councillor