Nationals Disendorse Cessnock Candidate

BY RIDI REZA

Nationals have disendorsed Cessnock candidate Ash Barnham just two weeks before the NSW election, over controversial comments made on social media. 

He allegedly posted derogatory comments on Twitter in early 2020 and is no longer a candidate listed on the party's website and campaign Facebook page.

National's State Director Joe Lundy says he did not advise the party of his Twitter account prior to the pre-selection process and his comments are absolutely unacceptable. 

His name will still appear on the ballot paper but he will no longer receive campaign support from the party.

Singleton councillors in doubt after online voting error

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Singleton could be headed back to the polls later this year, after an online voting stuff-up locked out thousands of voters.

The Electoral Commission says the iVote system crashed at the December 4 elections, though the outcome for most councils wouldn't have changed.

But in Singleton, as well as Kempsey and Shellharbour, it's possible things could have turned out differently.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore says her position is safe, but councillors are understandably concerned.

"Not only anxiety with that, but the cost of what they've already laid out for elections, potentially having to redo that cost again," Cr Moore said.

"Not to mention the cost of council having to pay for another election, effectively meaning ratepayer money paying for another election."

It's understood the Supreme Court will hold a hearing on February 4 to make a decision about whether to call the affected elections void.

But for the time being, Cr Moore says they'll just get on with the job.

"In the meantime, the councillors that we have now have been declared," Cr Moore said.

"We've had induction day, we've got our first meeting on the 1st of February, so we're going to play on unless the court or otherwise tells us."

Council elections see knockout wins and close races across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's still crunching the numbers this afternoon, with a few close races for local councils likely to go on for weeks as postal votes and pre-poll numbers roll in.

Labor's rejoicing today, winning the vote in a number of local governments. 

In Newcastle, incumbent Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has beaten Newcastle Independents John Church to hold onto the top job. 

It's likely the Independents will lose ground in the chamber, with possible second seats for the Greens and the Liberals both in the city's Ward Two.

In Lake Macquarie, Kay Fraser will sit another term as mayor, landing a knockout win with a nine percent swing toward her.

Councillor Jay Suvaal is also likely to take over from Mayor Bob Pynsent in Cessnock, securing another Labor win.

Close races continue between Labor and independent candidates elsewhere in the Hunter.

In Maitland, current Mayor Loretta Baker leads independent Philip Penfold by a tight margin, just a few hundred votes.

The race is also close in Port Stephens, with Labor's Leah Anderson and incumbent Mayor Ryan Palmer neck and neck as well.

Over in Singleton, independent Mayor Sue Moore is in the lead, but there's no firm call yet on whether her re-election is certain. 

In Dungog's first ever direct vote for mayor, John Connors will keep the job uncontested.

It could be weeks before the outcome across all councils and wards is known. 

The Hunter heads to the polls for local government elections

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's headed to the polls tomorrow for the latest local government elections. 

If you haven't voted early or in the post, you'll need to visit the ballot box before 6pm tomorrow.

Originally scheduled for September 4, the elections were delayed by three months due to lockdowns and COVID concerns.

There's still time to skip the queue and vote early before 5pm today, but otherwise, most polling places open their doors at 8am tomorrow morning.