Moves afoot to bring Vowles back to Labor fold

A LOOMING Territory election means pressure is mounting on Chief Minister Michael Gunner to bring Ken Vowles back to caucus

Sacked former Labor minister Ken Vowles looks on at Chief Minister Michael Gunner. Picture: Michale Franchi

PRESSURE is mounting on Chief Minister Michael Gunner to release Ken Vowles from his political purgatory.

Labor members told the NT News the looming Territory election was providing motivation to bring the issue to a head, with some keen to hold a formal caucus vote to put it to rest.

The subject has been raised repeatedly in recent caucus meetings but no vote has yet been held.

Mr Vowles was sacked from his post as primary industries and Aboriginal affairs minister and exiled from the caucus in extraordinary circumstances in December after he refused to back Mr Gunner’s leadership.

Mr Vowles has remained a Labor member but has been banned from the government lobby and participating in caucus discussions.

One member said Mr Vowles, whose personal popularity hasn’t been dented by his exile, would be an asset to Labor as the party prepares itself for the 2020 election.

“Like it or not, Ken has a lot to offer the team,” a source said.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said on Tuesday that Mr Vowles had a lot of time to repent.

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“There’s a lot of time that has gone past so it has been certainly some time since the caucus made the decision that Ken wasn’t to sit in the caucus room,” she said.

Ms Manison wouldn’t offer a personal opinion over whether Mr Vowles should be allowed back in the fold.

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“The matter of Ken being back would be a matter for the caucus,” she said.

“My view is shaped collectively by the caucus.”

A spokesman for Mr Gunner said he would not stand in the way of a vote being held.

Mr Vowles declined to comment.