Ken Vowles flags possible return to politics

A former government minister has flagged a potential political comeback. See why the one-time ALP member wants to represent his electorate despite shock ostracisation from Labor.

A political comeback could be in the wings for a popular former NT MLA.

Former Labor minister and Johnston MLA Ken Vowles on Friday hinted in a social media post that he is planning a political comeback.

During a social media thread on Peter Dutton’s controversial Alice Springs visit this week, a contributor asked Mr Vowles why he left politics.

In reply, the seven-year MLA replied: ‘I love the NT my home. Live in Fannie Bay electorate now, see what happens in August 2024.”

Ken Vowles, new chairman NT Live Exporters Association, is contemplating a return to politics.

The next Territory election is due on the third Saturday of August next year.

Speaking Saturday, Mr Vowles told this publication he was certainly considering a return to the political fray – although he was likely to wait until next year before locking in a decision.

“I’m really thinking about it,” he said.

“I live in Fannie Bay now and I love the Territory. I’ll reassess next year and decide what’s happening.

“I’ll be true to my values and will stick up for people who don’t have a voice.

“You don’t have to be in a political party to do that.

“My priority was the electorate and to be a good local member.

“I’ve always been about standing up for what’s right and making people’s voices heard through the halls of power and the public service.”

If he does contest Fannie Bay, he will almost certainly be up against incumbent Brent Potter who last year won a by-election to replace former member and chief minister Michael Gunner.

Neither candidate from the two major parties who contested the by-election lived in Fannie Bay when the election was held.

Former Blain Independent Terry Mills. Picture: Justin Kennedy

Mr Vowles was raised in Jingili, before moving to Darwin River when he was a teenager.

He entered NT politics in 2012 and served four years in opposition under former Labor leaders Delia Lawrie and Michael Gunner.

When Labor trounced the CLP in the 2016 election Mr Vowles was made Primary Industry and Resources minister.

After a bitter falling-out with Michael Gunner, Mr Vowles was sacked as a minister and expelled from the Labor caucus in December 2018.

He quit parliament in January 2020 because, he said his ostracisation from the party meant he could not properly represent constituents in Johnston.

Mr Vowles was recently elected chairman of the NT Livestock Exporters Association.

If successful, Mr Vowles won’t be the first former NT politician to launch a comeback.

In 2016, former chief minister and CLP leader Terry Mills returned as an Independent MLA to the electorate of Blain two years after quitting the party and politics.

He was subsequently defeated at the 2020 NT election.