National

Former NT chief Gunner to quit politics

By AAP Newswire

Jul 27, 2022

A file photo of Michael Gunner — Former Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner is tipped to bow out of politics. -AAP Image

Former Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner is expected to quit politics in the Top End after more than a decade on the job.

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Mr Gunner has been on the backbench since May when he resigned from the top job, saying his head and heart are no longer in the role.

AAP understands the Member for Fannie Bay will stand down from the NT Legislative Assembly on Wednesday night during the parliamentary sitting.

If the 46-year-old does resign it will spark a by-election in his Darwin seat, which he has held since 2008.

Mr Gunner, who was the first Territory-born Top End leader, became opposition leader in 2015.

He led Labor to a landslide victory in 2016 before his government was returned easily in 2020, partly on the back of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Gunner also attributed his decision to leave the top job in May to the birth of his second son, Nash, in April and wanting to spend more time with his family.

He also said a heart attack in 2020 and the pandemic had taken a toll and he was tired.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press