Johnston by-election winner Joel Bowden eyes sports portfolio

LABOR’S winning Johnston candidate Joel Bowden has revealed he’s eyeing off Lauren Moss’ position as Minister for Sport

Labor’s star candidate Joel Bowden and Chief Minister Michael Gunner. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

LABOR’S winning Johnston candidate Joel Bowden has revealed he’s eyeing off Lauren Moss’ position as Minister for Sports.

Mr Bowden, who narrowly won the seat of Johnston on Saturday, said he will spend his first day on the job in parliament this morning.

Independent Jeff Collins (right) doorknocking with Territory Alliance's Terry Mills and Johnston candidate Steven Klose last week. Source: Facebook

On ABC this morning, the former AFL star was asked about what possible government portfolio he had in his sights.

“(Minister for) Sports of course, I think it’s the greatest thing of all,” he said.

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“I want to win in August, that’s the first goal … but I would have a long term ambition to not just represent my electorate but to also broaden that, whether it’s in the ministry at some point I don’t know yet.”

Ex-Labor MLA turned independent Jeff Collins said he believed Mr Bowden had all the traits to take over the Labor leadership from Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

“I do believe he will be the leader of the Labor Party in the future,” he said.

The Member for Fong Lim said he will also make a decision soon on whether he will join Territory Alliance after doorknocking for the party during the Johnston by-election.

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Mr Collins previously said he was “leaving the door open” to switch allegiances and join Terry Mills’ new political party.