Shock resignation of first term NT MLA Ian Sloan triggers by-election

A first term NT MLA has revealed he is quitting politics which will trigger a by-election in his Top End electoral division.

IAN SLOAN MLA MEMBER FOR DALY Photograph: Che Chorley

COUNTRY Liberal MLA for Daly Ian Sloan has revealed he is quitting politics, saying he needs to commit his time to battling health issues.

In a press conference on Thursday morning, Mr Sloan said he would stand down from his position, triggering a by-election in his Top End electoral division.

“I was incredibly proud to be elected as a member for Daly at the August 2020 election, and still believe that Daly is one of the most beautiful parts of a territory,” he said.

“However, due to health reasons, I’ve reached the point, that I’ve decided to step down and focus on myself and my family.”

Mr Sloan wished his colleagues well and vowed to remain “heavily invested in my community”.

He was only elected to represent Daly last year, taking over from Gary Higgins.

The seat was previously held by Labor between 2005 and 2012.

CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Sloan’s decision to resign to battle his health issues took “enormous courage”.

“He’s been invaluable, and just such a wonderful member to work with,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

She said the date of an upcoming by-election would be set by Chief Minister Michael Gunner in coming days, after Mr Sloan formally resigns in the next parliamentary sittings.

“I respect Ian’s wish for privacy at this incredibly difficult time, and he has been an amazing member of our team and we will miss him dearly.”

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison on Thursday said the looming by-election gave residents in Daly an important choice and made a pitch to voters about Labor’s track record on the pandemic.

“First and foremost, I just want to say that I do wish (Mr Sloan) all the best for the future,” Ms Manison said.

“We think we have a good case to point to put to the people of Daly.”

Ms Manison said the seat had “traditionally” been a CLP electorate but warned Ms Finocchiaro’s comments on the borders last year and recent calls to send “surplus” vaccines to Sydney.

“We have the most vulnerable people in the nation, and we need to make sure we get everybody vaccinated, that is an absolute top priority,” she said.

“We’re going to make sure we use our vaccinations to protect the most vulnerable people in the country.”

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