Gunner comfortably hold onto Fannie Bay for the fourth time

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner comfortably held his Fannie Bay seat for the fourth time

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CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner comfortably held his Fannie Bay seat for the fourth time despite the challenge of high profile CLP candidate Tracey Hayes.

At the close of counting late last night, Mr Gunner led Ms Hayes 2011 votes to 1417 on the two-candidate preferred figures.

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The 2020 campaign trail has been a long one for the Chief Minister, who was ably backed up in the quest for votes by his newborn son Hudson and his fledgling Instagram account.

Hudson and his dad trekked around the Territory in the lead up to election day, all documented on the social media account.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner and wife Kristy arrive at Labor HQ. Picture: Che Chorley

In his speech to the Labor faithful at the Waratah Football Club, Mr Gunner thanked all the frontline workers and staff who have kept Territorians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To all these Territorians and many, many more. Thank you. You are the front line. You are the secret to the Territory’s success,” he said.

The CLP’s Tracey Hayes was graceful in defeat when she arrived at the CLP function in Cullen Bay last night.

Despite the result, she was happy with how much ground the CLP had clawed back.

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“Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t to be for me tonight,” she said. “I’m totally satisfied in my campaign but a little bit disappointed especially for my team.”

Ms Hayes didn’t rule out a potential return to politics.

“Four years is a long time so I’ll have to take stock after tonight and see what happens.”