Socialist Party member Anthony Main was elected to Yarra City Council today after a count back of the 2008 results in the Nicholls Ward. Nicholls Ward covers North Carlton, North Fitzroy and parts of Fitzroy, Collingwood and Clifton Hill. A count back was conducted due to the ALP Mayor Jane Garrett resigning after she won the seat of Brunswick at the November State Election. Garrett’s votes were distributed to the 3 remaining candidates.

Of Garrett’s 2607 votes, 462 were distributed to Independent candidate Ian Mack, 472 were distributed to Greens candidate Gurm Sekhon and 1673 were distributed to Socialist Party candidate Anthony Main. Given that only 1304 votes were required for an absolute majority Anthony Main was declared elected.

Anthony Main said today “I want to use this position to advocate for ordinary people in Yarra and to assist building local campaigns. Real change doesn’t happen within the walls of Richmond Town Hall but when people take matters into their own hands by organising and mobilising to improve their communities.”

Anthony will join Socialist Party Councillor Stephen Jolly in Yarra who has been a high profile representative in the area since 2004. Stephen was the first socialist candidate to be elected to office in Australia for more than 50 years.

“With two Councillors we will now be able to provide responsive, active and effective representation to many more Yarra residents.” Stephen Jolly said.

In 2011 the Socialist Party in Yarra will continue to fight against inappropriate development, for more childcare places, for the rights of young workers and against the massive rate increases being pushed by the ALP, Greens and right-wing Independents.

For more information or interviews contact:

Anthony Main on 0417368215

Stephen Jolly on 0433113421

Socialist Party National Office on 03 9639 9111

Email:
Visit: http://www.yarrasocialists.net/