Morwell MP Russell Northe announces his retirement from state politics
Russell Northe has been on a rollercoaster ride in state politics, from minister to crossbencher. Now he’s calling time.
Rural crossbencher Russell Northe has confirmed he will not seek another term as Morwell’s representative in State Parliament.
The former Napthine Government minister first won the seat of Morwell at the 2006 state election as a National Party candidate.
Mr Northe left the National Party in August 2017, after confirming a mental health battle and a gambling addiction.
The following year, he recontested the Morwell constituency as an independent, winning 19.6 per cent of the primary vote but leapfrogging Labor candidate Mark Richards on Coalition preferences.
Mr Northe is one of three rural independents in the State Parliament alongside Shepparton MP Suzanna Sheed and Mildura MP Ali Cupper.
“In recent times, a number of people have asked if I would be recontesting the 2022 state election,” Mr Northe said.
“Particularly given candidates for various political parties have already announced their candidacy.
“Whilst it’s not necessarily new news, I can state that I will not be recontesting the 2022 state election.
“However, whilst I will have more to say at a later time, I do sincerely want to thank all those who have supported me over the last 16 years and wish candidates all the very best in the lead up to the election.”
Morwell has been a marginal seat in consecutive electoral cycles with an unusual four-way battle between Labor, Liberal, National and independent Mr Northe at the 2018 state election.
Latrobe Regional Hospital doctor Kate Maxfield has been recently preselected as Labor’s candidate for Morwell.
Dr Maxfield previously stood as a Labor candidate for Gippsland East at the 2014 election and is the daughter of former Narracan Labor MP Ian Maxfield.
Traralgon plumber Martin Cameron, who played alongside Northe for Traralgon, won National Party preselection for the seat of Morwell last month.
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