Former Mayor Jenny Hill has revealed she will not contest a spot on Labor’s Senate ticket

Townsville’s former Mayor Jenny Hill has revealed what her future holds after her successor, Troy Thompson, was embroiled in a CCC investigation.

Former Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has sensationally pulled out of the race for the number two spot on Labor’s senate ticket in the federal election.

Mrs Hill revealed she would make a bid for a spot on the ticket in May, but has now decided to withdraw from the race.

When she initially made her plans known, Mrs Hill said the Labor vote was dropping because the party kept picking career politicians whose lives were based in capital cities.

In her long career in local government, Mrs Hill has been a fierce advocate for the regions and regularly called out her own party for ignoring areas outside capital cities.

“The last few months have allowed me to travel and spend quality time with family and friends,” Mrs Hill said.

An emotional Jenny Hill has conceded defeat in the 2024 Townsville LGA election.

“After nearly 25 years in public life, I have been able to relax and enjoy time for myself which I have not experienced for such a long time.

“I intend to continue to support local community groups close to my heart. But the opportunity to travel and be with family when I choose too rather than at the behest of the

Mayoral diary has become appealing so it’s time to move on.”

Mayor Jenny Hill and husband Shane Hill last year before the AFL Grand final when their two teams were facing off. Picture: Shae Beplate.

She was originally set to take on former Tourism Minister Kate Jones for the number two spot, but Ms Jones has also pulled out of the race.

The statement suggests Mrs Hill will not be recontesting if a by-election is called for the role of Townsville mayor.

Her successor, Troy Thompson, has been reported to the Crime and Corruption Commission after he misled Townsville voters in the lead up to the election.

He was not truthful with voters about his military, education or business history.

On Wednesday, Mr Thompson made the decision to take a leave of absence from council until the conclusion of the CCC investigation.

Originally published as Former Mayor Jenny Hill has revealed she will not contest a spot on Labor’s Senate ticket