Blundell all but assured of victory
DEPUTY Mayor Peter Blundell has increased his lead in the Southern Downs mayoral race, remaining all but assured of victory.
After further vote counting last night and this morning Cr Blundell's share has gone up to 4927, more than 2000 votes ahead of his nearest rival Mally McMurtrie, now on 2358.
Cr Blundell is yet to formally declare victory, with the poll results to be officially declared next Tuesday.
Around 1200 more postal votes have come in today, bringing the total so far returned in the election close to 18,000, out of more than 23,000 issued overall.
Informal votes were running at just over two per cent as of yesterday.
An update on the councillor count is not expected until tonight, with Cr Ross Bartley still well in front in the top eight.
Mayoral Update:
Peter Blundell: 4927
Mally McMurtrie: 2358
Jim Rickard: 1816
Darryl Evans: 1536
Phil Buddle: 1427
Lindsay Goodwin: 1228
Kim Olsen: 622
Gina Doulis: 418
Informal: 185
Councillor Top Eight:
Ross Bartley: 8210
Jo McNally: 8194
Cameron Gow: 6861
Vic Pennisi: 6760
Jamie Mackenzie: 6538
Neil Meiklejohn: 6530
Denise Ingram: 6253
Glyn Rees: 6200
