FORMER State Government minister Andrew Cripps has made a political comeback after being declared the winner of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council by-election.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland this afternoon declared Mr Cripps the winner, after he received 36.75 per cent, or 2,274 individual votes in Saturday’s ballot.
Jonathan Pavetto came in second, attracting 30.03 per cent, or 1,858 votes.
Donna Marbelli received 25.57 per cent (1,582 votes) and Megan Lawlor 7.66 per cent (474 votes).
Mr Cripps was elected as the state Member for Hinchinbrook from 2006, a seat he retained until he was beaten after preferences by Katter’s Australian Party newcomer Nick Dametto at the November 2017 state election.
Since then, Mr Cripps has worked for the Australian Government as Chair of the Resources 2030 Taskforce, an engagement which he recently completed.
Mr Cripps said as a newly elected councillor for the Hinchinbrook Shire, he was looking forward to engaging with the local community and continuing his work as a strong advocate for the people who call the region home.
“I am also looking forward to working cooperatively with Mayor Ramon Jayo and the other existing Councillors on the projects and initiatives that are underway for the betterment of the Hinchinbrook Shire,” Mr Cripps said.
“In due course, I will be pursuing the ideas and proposals that I put forward during the by-election campaign with the Council. I expect Council will advise me shortly of the arrangements for me to be sworn in as a Councillor.”
Mr Cripps is hitting the ground running, and this afternoon will head up to Mount Fox to attend a community shed meeting.
“Once again, I would like to thank those residents of the Hinchinbrook Shire who supported me at the election for the opportunity to serve,” Mr Cripps said.
“I will do my best to repay the faith that you have showed in me to represent you.”
The by-election, which was held on October 13, was prompted by the resignation of councillor Maria Bosworth in early August.
Mr Pavetto conceded on the night of the election, congratulating Mr Cripps and thanking his supporters.
Mr Cripps, however, said he had not wanted to claim victory until the ballot was officially declared by the ECQ.