Liberal Felix Ellis elected in Braddon recount

Ellis to become the youngest sitting Tasmanian MP after electorate’s second recount since the election.

• Braddon Liberal MP Joan Rylah resigns from state parliament
• MP who supports anti-protest laws decides against blockade

LIBERAL candidate Felix Ellis has been elected as the new member for Braddon.

Mr Ellis, 30, a former plumber turned political staffer, was declared elected today after a recount caused by the resignation of Joan Rylah last month.

He is expected to be sworn in and to take his seat on the government backbench at tomorrow’s sitting.

Five candidates from the 2018 state election nominated for the recount: Mr Ellis;

Brenton Jones from the Shooters, Fishers, Farmers Party; Tasmanian Greens candidate Scott Jordan; Gina Timms from the Jacqui Lambie Network and ungrouped candidate Liz Hamer.

Mr Ellis received 90 per cent of the redistributed votes.

Felix Ellis who is set to be sworn in as the new member for Braddon. Picture Chris Kidd

Mr Ellis said he was “ready to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in”.

“I’ve always been taught to put my hand up when a job needs doing, from surf life saving, to volunteer firefighting, to helping out at the local sporting club,” he said.

“The battle against coronavirus needs us all pitching in. I’ll be a voice for people right across the Braddon electorate and for younger Tasmanians who will be critical in helping rebuild a stronger Tasmania for the next generation.”

The recount is the second to be held in Braddon since the election: the first was in February last year when former Minister Adam Brooks quit parliament.

Mrs Rylah was elected on that recount.

Today’s recount involved again redistributing the votes originally cast for Mr Brooks.

Mr Ellis will become the youngest member of the current parliament.

The youngest-ever state MP was Matthew Smith, who was elected as the Liberal member for Franklin in 1998 at the age of 20.

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