‘Scuttlebutt’: Member for Mulgrave, Terry James, dismisses by-election rumours
An unlikely rearguard offensive against the LNP is being plotted in the Far North with suspicions raised that a once safe Labor seat could be up for grabs sooner than expected.
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An unlikely rearguard offensive against the LNP is being plotted in the Far North with suspicions raised that a once safe Labor seat could be up for grabs sooner than expected.
But the Member for Mulgrave has declared that rumours of his departure have been greatly exaggerated with the former Cairns mayor insisting that he will serve out his term which ends in 2028.
Political manoeuvring has already started within the ALP ranks to pry the seat from the state government with political observers anticipating Terry James’ retirement.
Belief that a by-election is near has intensified in recent weeks with the party’s candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal taking up a role in Mr James’ office.
In response, the former Cairns mayor who turned 69 last month, dismissed claims that Mr Neal had been earmarked as his likely successor emphatically as hearsay.
“That’s bulls**t,” Mr James said when made aware of the conjecture.
“Where’s that come from? That is absolute scuttlebutt. Nothing surprises me in politics. I’ll just ignore that rubbish.
“Right now, I’m working super hard to keep my seat and for the electorate.”
The fourth-generation Cairns resident said he approached Mr Neal to come work for him as an electorate officer after the federal election in May.
“Jeremy’s working for me part-time,” Mr James said.
“He’s very good with social media and a good friend of mine. Jeremy’s great at whatever he turns his hand to.”
After losing the mayoralty in March last year, Mr James had contemplated retirement before being coaxed into a tilt at state politics following a tumultuous pre-selection process for the LNP.
The Far North MP said a chance meeting with premier David Crisafulli while handing out free doughnuts for Member for Member for Barron River Bree James prior to the election convinced him to run for Mulgrave.
“If he hadn’t asked me, I wouldn’t be here,” Mr James said.
“I was helping Bree at the time when it happened. It’s been a real privilege to work with David Crisafulli.
“I’ve followed him since he was with Townsville City Council. I respect the man and you couldn’t get anyone better to be premier.”
Mr James, who will turn 72 before the next state election, was one of the big winners last October, achieving a massive swing against Labor following outgoing speaker Curtis Pitt’s retirement.
The win had energised the Member for Mulgrave’s passion for politics.
“I’ve been asked if I’ll run again and I’ve said yes,” he said.
Mr James saw off a crowded field of 10 candidates, led by the ALP’s Richie Bates and Katter’s Australian Party hopeful Steven Lesina.
While boasting several promising young ministers within its ranks, the LNP may be forced to consider the future of some senior figures nearing retirement before the next election.
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Originally published as ‘Scuttlebutt’: Member for Mulgrave, Terry James, dismisses by-election rumours
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