Steven Klose announced as Territory Alliance candidate for Johnston

Former CLP candidate Steven Klose was announced today as a candidate for Terry Mills’ new Territory Alliance Party.

Steve Klose will be the candidate for Territory Alliance in the seat of Johnston at the upcoming by-election.

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Former CLP candidate Steven Klose was announced today as the candidate for Terry Mills’ new Territory Alliance Party for the Johnston by-election.

It comes after the shock resignation of Labor member for Johnston Ken Vowles on Thursday evening, triggering a by-election likely to take place early next year.

At an announcement at the Rapid Creek markets this morning, Mr Klose – who previously worked as a political adviser an at the Northern Territory Electoral Commission – described the Johnston electorate as his “stomping ground.”

“My family have lived in the Johnson electorate for 50 years,” he said.

“It is my stomping ground and I’m very pleased to take on this challenge.”

Mr Klose wouldn’t “confirm or deny” if he has been approached by the CLP to run as a candidate again in the upcoming election.

He was defeated by Mr Vowles when he ran for the CLP in the seat of Johnston at the 2016 state election.

He will be running against Unions NT boss and former AFL footballer Joel Bowden who will be announced as the ALP candidate.

“We have a lot of mutual respect for each other and we’ve put a lot of work in previously, but that’s in the past and this is about moving forward with Territory Alliance,” he said.

“The reason why I chose Territory Alliance is because I believe it is the alternative choice for voters at this election,” he said.

“It is about changing government and it is about changing governance.”

He said if elected his priorities would be reducing crime and reoffending, budget repair and supporting local businesses.