Vowles may be gone, but Gunner’s problems will continue

KEN Vowles is a rarity in politics. Straight-shooting and no bullshit, the ex-cricketer’s competence as mining and indigenous affairs minister surprised many

Ken Vowles looks on at Chief Minister Michael Gunner ... Mr Vowles may be gone but Mr Gunner’s headaches are only just beginning

• EXCLUSIVE: Why Labor member Ken Vowles quit politics
• KEN Vowles says NT Labor must dump Michael Gunner

KEN Vowles is a rarity in politics.

Straight-shooting and no bullshit, the ex-cricketer’s competence as mining and indigenous affairs minister surprised many.

But his innings will soon be over, having night announced his intention to resign at the end of the year.

Vowles says he was left with no choice, frozen out by his Labor colleagues and unable to represent his constituents.

His resignation will force a by-election in Johnston, the seat Vowles defended for Labor in 2012.

That by-election will be a referendum on Michael Gunner’s leadership and a bellwether for the election to come next year.

If the Country Liberals can get up a decent candidate, it will be theirs to lose.

It’s little wonder Vowles’ anointed successor, Unions NT boss Joel Bowden is rumoured to be getting cold feet about his run at the seat.

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Defending it at a by-election will be a tough task.

And if he does end up in Parliament, it’s possible the outspoken ex-footy star will come up against the same personality clashes that brought Vowles down.

Vowles says his political death warrant was signed as soon as Chief Minister Michael Gunner started to see him as a contender for the leadership of the party.

It is unlikely the forthright Bowden will be content to sit obediently on the backbench.

With Vowles gone, Gunner is finally rid of his long time nemesis.

But the headaches are only just beginning.