John Kelly: Hobart city councillor ponders run at Legislative Council to replace retiring Rob Valentine

A prominent businessman and councillor has revealed his interest in becoming Hobart’s next Legislative Council representative, while Mayor Anna Reynolds appears to have ruled herself out.

Hobart city councillor John Kelly is pondering a run at the Legislative Council. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Prominent businessman and alderman John Kelly may make a bid for the seat of Hobart the Legislative Council.

The former owner of the State Cinema in North Hobart, Mr Kelly was elected to the Hobart City Council last year and is being courted to throw his hat in the ring to replace Rob Valentine, who will retire next year after two terms.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds is staying put for now, telling the Sunday Tasmanian she wants to run her full-term in the top civic position.

Mr Kelly said he was weighing up his options.

“I’ve been asked by a number of different people and you can never say never,” he said.

“Cassy O’Connor [former Greens leader] will be hard to beat, but it is possible.

“The Greens polled approximately 25 per cent of the vote last election and if more people voted an organised candidate they could roll her.”

Ms Reynolds has also been touted as candidate for Hobart to replace Mr Valentine who was Lord Mayor before winning the seat.

“I’m in the first year of my second four-year term as Lord Mayor and my focus and priority at this stage is to do my full term in this role,” she said.

Mr Valentine said he hoped his replacement would be an independent.

“Independence is really important, it’s just a fact,” he said.

Hobart Mayor Anna Reynolds appears to have ruled herself out of pursuing Rob Valentine’s soon-to-be vacant seat of Hobart in the Legislative Council. Picture: Chris Kidd

“If you have a party representative they can’t mark their own homework.

“There is no way they are going to vote against their own party.”

Election analyst Dr Kevin Bonham said it was not uncommon for local government representatives to seek a seat in the Upper House.

He also said it would be an interesting contest if Mr Kelly stood against Ms O’Connor.

“I think local councils do provide a stepping stone to the Legislative Council and one reason for that is the boundaries there are quite similar to Legislative Council electorates which are quite small,” Dr Bonham said.

“The common fondness for independent candidates in the Legislative Council is a factor as well.

“If the Greens hold their vote it is highly likely that Ms O’Connor will make the final two.

“The question is, is there an independent out there who could take lots of votes.”

Dr Bonham said Mr Kelly was seen as a moderate and had done well for a first time candidate in the election for Lord Mayor against the incumbent.

Labor Party secretary Stuart Benson said nominations for Hobart would close at the end of the month.

Liberal Party director Peter Coulson said the party was currently discussing with members whether to stand a candidate and would make a decision “in the coming months”.

Hobart includes part of Lenah Valley and New Town, north of the Sandy Bay Rivulet and west of the Southern Outlet, including Tolmans Hill, Dynnyrne, South Hobart, Battery Point, Fern Tree and Ridgeway.