Nationals pick John Illingworth as their candidate for Hammond
Nationals pick John Illingworth as their candidate for Hammond
The police officer will run against Liberal MP Adrian Pederick at the 2022 state election.
A third candidate has thrown his hat into the ring in Hammond ahead of the 2022 state election.
John Illingworth, a police officer, will represent the National Party at the upcoming poll, alongside upper house candidate Lisa Sherry.
Mr Illingworth vowed to fight for better mental health services in the Murraylands, and – as the father of two girls who moved away from home for work – for more local pathways into employment.
He said he was also in favour of:
Support for farmers and small businesses
Better infrastructure and government services
Restoration and maintenance of bushlands and waterways
Tighter control of pest plants and animals
The party’s state president, Jonathan Pietzch, described Mr Illingworth as “a man of integrity ... driven by results” who would make an outstanding Member for Hammond.
Mr Illingworth is no stranger to politics – he contested the 2018 election as an SA Best candidate in the Adelaide Hills electorate of Heysen.
He is also a racing driver who has been involved with both Murray Bridge Speedway and the Bend Motorsport Park; and a previous SA Police officer of the year, for his work in road safety in 2013.
So far, two other candidates have launched election campaigns in Hammond: current Liberal MP Adrian Pederick and independent candidate Airlie Keen.
Neither Labor nor any other party has yet indicated who will represent them on polling day.
Nominations are not due until February 28.
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