Paul Arnold elected to Darwin council in Lyons by-election

THE votes have been counted and a new alderman has been announced for Darwin council.

Paul Arnold will be the new alderman on Darwin council after winning the Lyons by-election. Picture: NT News

• Lyons council voters head for the polls again next month

DARWIN artist and photographer Paul Arnold has been declared the winner of the Lyons Ward by-election, picking up 1854 first-preference votes.

After the final postal votes were submitted by 12.30pm Friday, Mr Arnold polled almost 500 more first-preference votes than second-placed candidate developer Sara Alexopoulos on 1382 and CLP member Eric Withnall on 1330.

In nominating for the position, Mr Arnold told the NT News his position as a business owner meant he knew the challenges many ratepayers went through and could relate to their position.

“In both an industry which is highly competitive and a local market which is challenging, I have practised what I have preached,” he said.

“Instead of complaining, I have continually made improvements, learnt lessons and diversified what I do to move and stay current.

“I have listened to my customers, my competitors, my partner, my friends and fellow business people and taken on feedback. I have worked in collaboration with both local and international stakeholders, often without financial gain, to improve my product and my business.

“This is what I believe will be the strengths I will bring to Lyons Ward as their candidate.”

MORE TOP STORIES

Rock climbing gym’s future in the balance as judge defers decision on council repossession

Grieving mum loses $6k to company that failed to produce headstone for son

Darwin shops, hotel on alert after tourist tests positive for coronavirus

Mr Arnold will serve on the council for at least 18 months until the Darwin council election in August 2021, when he will have to run for council again if he chooses to.

Mr Arnold said he would look to reduce anti-social behaviour in Darwin, share the celebrations and concerns of constituents and be active in the Darwin City Deal to make the area a better place.

Laksa Queen Amye Un finished in fourth place on 796 votes, while Darwin businesswoman Carol Phayer rounded out the top five on 752.

AMAZING NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

Cheryl Watson (501), Rubbish Warrior Trevor Jenkins (269), Robin Lawrence (131), Carolyn Reynolds (110), Pete Hayes (97), Dave Mageean (82) and Jack Henderson (58) rounded out the votes.