CLP in nailbiting fight to swipe Brennan from Labor

PALMERSTON is slated to become equal territory with the CLP retaining Spillett and likely gaining another seat in a nailbiting race

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PALMERSTON is slated to become equal territory with the CLP retaining Spillett and likely gaining Brennan from Labor.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro retained her seat of Spillett by a landslide with a two candidate preferred count of 2327 votes, followed by Labor candidate Tristan Sloan with 1390 votes. “As a party we have rebuilt and we have strengthened our resolve,” she said. “The Territory needs us, it needs the Country Liberal Party to be that strong conservative voice.”

Labor frontbencher and Drysdale MLA Eva Lawler made political history retaining her seat, the first time Labor has managed to win and then hold onto a seat in Palmerston.

Ms Lawler sat at 1728 first preference votes last night with CLP candidate Leanne Butler second on 1227.

“It’s been a great campaign, it’s been a very straightforward campaign,” Ms Lawler said.

“We’ve focused on again, getting out door knocking, being always at the markets, making ourselves accessible to the people of Drysdale, and that’s paid off.”

While still too close to call, Brennan is likely to be gained by the CLP with Marie-Clare Boothby on 1812 votes but it’s a tight race with sitting Labor MLA Tony Sievers who is sitting at 1753 votes.

“I feel really good like it’s been a really great campaign I’ve done everything that I possibly could,” Ms Boothby said. “I’ve met as many people as I could and helped as many people as I could, so I feel that I’ve done everything I can and I’m really excited to see the rest of the results roll in.”

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Blain was too close to call last night, with preferences and postal votes likely to come into play. Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills did not formerly concede but received just 22 per cent of the votes counted last night, with only two other candidates in the seat.

Ms Lawler and Ms Boothby weren’t surprised at the loss. “I think the people of Palmerston have known that Terry Mills actually hasn’t worked hard in his seat,” Ms Lawler said.