NT govt appoints new deputy chief minister

Peter Chandler has been chosen to replace Dave Tollner as the Northern Territory government's new deputy chief minister.

Northern Territory Planning and Education Minister Peter Chandler is the government's new deputy chief minister.

His appointment comes after previous deputy Dave Tollner resigned on August 22 after homophobic comments he made to a gay staffer, who is also the son of a colleague, were made public.

Chief Minister Adam Giles announced Mr Chandler's appointment after the Country Liberal Party's parliamentary wing met on Monday night.

"I know he will bring a steady hand to the leadership team as we get on with delivering jobs and economic growth," Mr Giles said in a statement.

The result will be a blow for Mr Tollner, who has said he wanted his CLP colleagues to vote for his reinstatement and that he may leave the party if he is disendorsed from the deputy role.

The government holds 13 seats in the 25-seat Legislative Assembly, and could be forced into a minority position if Mr Tollner leaves.

There was speculation Mr Giles could lose the leadership at the meeting.

However, he confirmed he threw his own position open and was re-elected as leader unanimously and unopposed.

Mr Tollner did not attend the meeting.

Mr Giles said he chose to take some time off, but denied he had quit.

"The life and role as a public figure in a political environment, particularly holding some of the portfolios Dave did, you do get tired after a while. Quite clearly Dave wants to have a rest," he said.


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