July 27, 2014
Gympie Deputy Mayor Tony Perrett has tossed his hat into the ring seeking LNP pre-selection for the State seat of Gympie.
The local grazier and former Kilkivan Shire councillor, who is currently representing Division 6 in the Gympie Regional Council, will be competing against local property valuer and former Gympie City councillor Lindsay Horswood and Canina businessman Philip Spann.
Mr Horswood unsuccessfully stood for Gympie’s Division 4 at the 2012 local government elections.
Mr Spann is a small businessman linked to oil, gas and agricultural engineering interests.
LNP State Director Brad Henderson said local party members would meet in Gympie on August 9 to select the party’s candidate for the State election, which is due early next year.
The seat has become vacant following the announcement earlier this year by current LNP MP David Gibson that he would not be re-contesting.
Mr Gibson, the former general manager of the Gympie Times, has been embroiled in several controversies since the 2012 State Government election but said he would not be contesting the position due to health issues.
NB. Changes to legislation mean Cr Perrett does not have to resign from Gympie Council just because he has nominated as a candidate in the State poll; he would cease to be a councillor only if successfully elected.
