Barkly Mayor Jeff McLaughlin steps aside after drug charges in Tennant Creek

The Barkly Regional Council mayor has made a huge decision after he was charged with drug offences in Tennant Creek. Read his official statement in the wake of the allegations.

The mayor of a Northern Territory council has stepped aside after being charged with a number of drug charges.

On Monday, police pulled over 42-year-old Tennant Creek local and Barkly Regional Council Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin, who they allege tested positive to cannabis.

Police searched a Tennant Creek property where they seized cannabis plants and material.

McLaughlin was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, cultivating less than a trafficable quantity of a prohibited plant, supplying less than a commercial quantity of a Schedule 2 drug, which includes cannabis and prescription drugs fentanyl and morphine, and possessing less than a commercial quantity of a Schedule 2 drug.

Barkly Regional Council Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin has stepped aside after being charged with drug offences. Picture: Supplied

Following the charges, McLaughlin stepped aside from his position as mayor to take personal leave.

He has held the role since September of 2020.

“I believe that council needs to do its utmost primary role of serving the community and its people,” he said in a statement.

“For me to continue in working as the public face of council through this time will detract from our work.”

Barkly Regional Council said it supported McLaughlin’s decision.

Deputy mayor Dianne Stokes will take over as acting mayor.

Deputy mayor Dianne Stokes will take over as mayor in Barkly. Picture: Supplied

On Tuesday, Local Government Association Northern Territory chief executive Sean Holden said McLaughlin’s arrest was a “personal matter”

McLaughlin was bailed to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on October 11.