Wilkie’s main man has another dip

THE former chief of staff to independent federal Clark Andrew Wilkie is running Glenorchy mayor Kristie Johnston’s election campaign.

Dr Peter Tucker, 65, worked with Mr Wilkie for 10 years and retired last year.

Ms Johnston, who has a close working relationship with Mr Wilkie, asked Dr Tucker to manage her campaign.

“He is a wonderful man with a lot of experience and I am very grateful he’s helping me,” she said.

Ms Johnston has not asked for Mr Wilkie’s endorsement.

“We value our independence greatly,” she said. “(But) I admire his integrity and appreciate his wisdom.”

Dr Tucker was teaching politics and government at the University of Tasmania when he applied to join Mr Wilkie’s staff in 2010.

“We had a great partnership,” he said.

“I had a great time but realised last year that I could retire. It’s always good to refresh an office.”

He had no hesitation in helping Ms Johnston.

“There are two things about Kristie that stand out – she cares about people and she’s intelligent,” Dr Tucker said. “We see politicians who only care about themselves and their careers and a lot are not particularly bright. “She has made some hard but smart decisions.”

Dr Tucker said he understood why Ms Johnston would not seek Mr Wilkie’s backing. “Kristie runs her own campaign.

“She’s not an Andrew Wilkie candidate – they are not starting a party. She’s running her own game 100 per cent.”

Dr Tucker is involved in community groups and swum the English Channel in 2019 – the oldest Tasmanian to do so.