Shots fired in race for council gig

A POWER struggle between two aspirational former LNP candidates has turned up the heat in a tightly contested North Queensland local council by- election.

Four candidates are contesting the Hinchinbrook Shire Council by- election including former LNP state government minister Andrew Cripps and former LNP candidate for the federal seat of Kennedy Jonathan Pavetto.

Both are running as independent candidates but Mr Pavetto told the Townsville Bulletin he believed the “long arm” of the LNP executive appeared to be working its way into the local council election.

“I’m a member of the LNP, you certainly couldn’t say I’m endorsed by them, and my relationship with Brisbane is sour at best,” he said.

Mr Pavetto said Mr Cripps’ how- to- vote cards were “very similar” to the ones he used during the last state election.

“He’s not officially endorsed … but there appears to be a lot of external help from outside the shire,” he said.

Mr Pavetto said it was a “surprise” to see Mr Cripps running in the by- election.

“It’s a bit of step from cabinet minister to wanting to be on local council but he’s a nice guy and I’m sure he has good intentions,” Mr Pavetto said.

Mr Cripps strenuously denied suggestions he was getting help from the LNP to run his campaign.

“The LNP doesn’t contest any local government elections outside of Brisbane,” he said.

“My campaign is fully selffunded. I’ve received no donations and will be accepting no donations.”

Mr Cripps said only family members and local volunteers were helping his campaign and slammed suggestions to the contrary as being for “base political purposes”.

Mr Cripps was elected as the Hinchinbrook MP in 2006 but lost the seat to Katter’s Australian Party newcomer Nick Dametto in November 2017.

The by- election, which will be held tomorrow, was prompted by the resignation of Councillor Maria Bosworth in August.

Ms Bosworth sensationally announced she would be stepping down in a letter to the editor published in the Herbert River Express stating she had decided to pursue a more “positive, relaxing lifestyle” away from “negative influences” such as the council.

Ms Bosworth’s son had just completed his final chemotherapy treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma at the time.

The council rejected Ms Bosworth’s allegations of mistreatment.

Megan Lawlor and Donna Marbelli are also contesting the election.

Ms Marbelli said she believed it would be a “tight race” on Saturday.

“I have an ex- Liberal Party government member, another Liberal Party candidate who missed out and another lady in the community who is a viable candidate,” she said.

“I’m apolitical and I believe I could be a strong and respectful voice for the community.”