New CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro has full backing of party powerbrokers

SENIOR Country Liberal figures say they won’t be tempted to dump Lia Finocchiaro as leader should the party win more seats in August

Lia Finocchiaro ... CLP president Ron Kelly said he was confident in Ms Finocchiaro’s ability to take over the role of party leader when Gary Higgins steps down next month. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

SENIOR Country Liberal figures say they won’t be tempted to dump Lia Finocchiaro as leader should the party win more seats in August.

CLP president Ron Kelly said he was confident in the deputy’s ability to take over the role of party leader when Gary Higgins steps down next month.

“She’s definitely got the strength and passion for the job,” he said.

“I think she’ll do well in the role, she’s got all the makings of a great leader for the CLP.”

Former Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association chief executive Tracey Hayes, who is also running as CLP’s candidate for Fannie Bay, said she was certain Ms Finocchiaro would make an excellent opposition leader.

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“She’s shown how capable she is and I don’t see why she wouldn’t continue on as leader if the CLP does gain power,” Ms Hayes said.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said Territorians should not trust the CLP despite their new leader.

“Even if the leaders change, you cannot trust them,” she said.

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“They made these same promises before and broken them. In the 2012 election, the CLP said to public servants that their jobs were safe and that they would cut cost of living for Territorians.

“In stark contrast, what did they do? They sacked public servants. They put the power price up by 30 per cent and they sold off public assets like TIO and the port.”

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills said he was curious if possible disagreements within the CLP on preselections also drove Mr Higgins to resign.

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“I don’t know what’s come out of those preselection deliberations but that could possibly be something that has factored into Gary Higgins’ decision,” he said.

“I can’t say for sure but I know it’s been very difficult for him.”