Wayne Connop wins top spot on Daly by-election ballots, with former TA candidate joining race

The ordering of candidates on the ballot for the upcoming Daly by-election has been revealed, with two unexpected entrants into the race.

THE number of candidates vying for the seat of Daly has been confirmed, ahead of polling day on September 11.

Two independents will contest the seat: struck off barrister Wayne Connop as well as former Territory Alliance candidate Rebecca Jennings, alongside candidates for Labor and the CLP.

Nominations for the looming by-election closed at noon Thursday, with the draw then held at 1pm to determine the position of candidates on the ballot paper.

During the random draw, Mr Connop secured the coveted top spot on the ballot paper, followed by Labor’s Dheran Young, Ms Jennings and then the CLP’s Kris Civitarese.

Labor Daly candidate Dheran Young is second on the ballot. Picture: Supplied

Country Liberal Party candidate for Daly Kris Civitarese is last. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The by-election was called after first-term Daly MLA Ian Sloan resigned from representing Daly on August 19, citing health issues.

Neither Labor nor CLP candidates showed up to the draw.

Mr Connop, who has previously run as a Labor and CLP candidate, said he was running in the seat because the major parties “didn’t reflect” the electorate.

“One of my aims is to advocate for the people and the voice as an independent for the people in Daly, whether you are Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal,” he said.

Wayne Connop is first on the ballot. Picture: File.

Rebecca Jennings, who ran against Michael Gunner for Territory Alliance at the last election, is contesting Daly as an independent. Picture: Che Chorley

Ms Jennings, who ran against Chief Minister Michael Gunner in the seat of Fannie Bay at the last Territory election, also decided to throw her hat into the ring.

The young Berry Springs resident, who works in environmental management and research, said water infrastructure was a key part of her campaign.

“One of the key issues from living in the Daly region is the real lack of attention from the government,” Ms Jennings said.

“They make promises that are never kept and are never delivered until many changes in government.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said Thursday’s draw was an “important milestone” in the Daly by-election.

“The choice for voters in the seat of Daly couldn’t be clearer: they can choose to vote for an imploding Gunner Labor Government … or they can vote for a strong voice in Daly in Kris Civitarese,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

Labor candidate Dheran Young said he wasn’t phased about the ordering on the ballot and was the “only candidate that can deliver for the people of Daly”.

“I’m focused on being a strong voice for them and keeping them safe during this pandemic,” he said.

Mr Young last week was revealed to have received a formal warning as a staffer.

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