Qld election 2020: Les Walker to run for Labor in Mundingburra

QLD DECIDES: A new but familiar candidate has been overwhelmingly endorsed to run for Labor in an outgoing minister’s marginal electorate

Townsville councillor Les Walker has won Labor preselection in the ultra-marginal seat of Mundingburra.

Cr Walker, who hails from the party’s Right Faction, went up against Simon Mitchell from the Left.

It is understood there was overwhelming support for Cr Walker on the ground.

It comes after government minister Coralee O’Rourke, who has held the Townsville seat since 2015, announced she was quitting politics.

She has since revealed she wants to concentrate on her health.

The preselection was held via an online ballot which closed this afternoon.

The councillor and former prison guard said he was the “underdog” in the race to replace incumbent Coralee O’Roruke

But despite being months behind his counterparts Glenn Doyle, Ian Bowron, Alannah Tomlinson and Jenny Brown, Mr Walker said there will be many sleepless nights and long hours between now and October 31.

Les Walker has won Labor preselection in the ultra-marginal seat of Mundingburra. Picture: Evan Morgan

Speaking to the Bulletin, Mr Walker said he would speak to the Townsville City Council CEO and make an official announcement at Tuesday’s council meeting about his plans as a councillor ahead of the election.

Mr Walker said the community came first in his bid for the seat and he was proud to be part of Annastacia Palaczczuk’s team.

Taking on seasoned police officer and LNP candidate Mr Doyle, Mr Walker will draw on his experience in corrections.

“I’ve had 23 years in corrective services and I know how to manage offenders,” he said

Mr Walker added that he did not take this opportunity lightly and would take the issues affecting Queensland and Townsville head on.

Originally published as Qld election 2020: Les Walker to run for Labor in Mundingburra