How the Northern Territory’s chief ministers served in the top job

The history of the Northern Territory’s head of government is one of controversies, backstabbing and dysfunction. Read the list of all the former chief ministers and how their terms in office ended.

THE job of Northern Territory chief minister is not for the faint hearted.

Over the years, the NT’s most powerful role has been held by 10 men and one woman since the Territory was granted self-government in 1978.

When Michael Gunner on Tuesday quit as the Chief Minister, he secured his legacy as one of the Territory’s longest-serving leaders, racking up 2079 days in office – a reign that was at times tumultuous and polarising.

The history of the head of government is one of controversies, backstabbing and dysfunction.

But along the way, some chief ministers have also been remarkably popular and brought about positive change for Territorians.

Some have stood the test of time and lasted years, while others were packing up their desks in a matter of months.

Read the history of the NT’s chief ministers and how they met their end in the top job.

TIMELINE: Michael Gunner’s journey to the top

AFTER almost six years in the top job, Michael Gunner has resigned as Chief Minister.

Revisit the key moments in his political career below.

MICHAEL GUNNER TIMELINE

August 2008: Elected as the Member for Fannie Bay following the retirement of former Chief Minister Clare Martin.

September 2013: Launches a failed bid to unseat Labor Opposition Leader Delia Lawrie.

April 2015: Again challenges Ms Lawrie for the party’s leadership following fallout from the Stella Maris affair. Ms Lawrie resigns and Mr Gunner is elected unopposed.

Northern Territory Labor Leader Michael Gunner and his deputy LynneWalker address reporters at Parliament House in Darwin, Wednesday Nov. 18, 2015.

August 2016: Leads Territory Labor to victory in a landslide following a chaotic four years of the Terry Mills/Adam Giles Country Liberal Party government.

December 2017: Marries ABC journalist and presenter, Kristy O’Brien, at a ceremony in Queensland.

January 2020: Undergoes heart surgery after suffering a heart attack.

April 2020: First son, Hudson Thomas Gunner, is born.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner celebrates with son Hudson, a win in the 2020 election, allowing Labor to govern in its own right. Picture Glenn Campbell

August 2020: Wins second election on a wave of support in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

October 2021: A Twitter spat with US Senator, Ted Cruz, goes viral, with Mr Gunner’s post receiving more than 66,000 likes and 17,000 retweets.

April 2022: Announces the birth of second son, Nash Michael Huckleberry Gunner.

May 2022: Resigns as Chief Minister of the NT, effective immediately.