THE result had yet to be finalised in the Ipswich City Council Division 4 by-election when we spoke with candidate Russell Milligan, but he conceded that the result would not be in his favour.

At the time of publication, almost 77 percent of the vote had been counted in the ‘first past the post’ election.

Mr Martin was leading with 11,337 votes, while Mr Milligan’s count stood at 8,874. Of the other candidates, Sue Dunne had 4,844 votes and Raymond Tuuli had 1,082 votes.

“I congratulate Mr Martin on this outcome and wish him every success in the role for the remainder of this term of council,” Mr Milligan said.

“I would also like to commend the two other candidates for their courage to nominate. It is not an easy undertaking to put yourself out there for election and I congratulate them both for doing so.”

Mr Milligan represented Division 4 in the previous term of Council, lost his seat during the March 2024 council elections and made a bid to regain it in the by-election sparked by Cr David Cullen’s resignation due to illness.

“It had been an immense honour for me to have the opportunity to serve our city for the previous term of Council,” Mr Milligan said, “and I will continue to serve our community in volunteer roles, as I have done all my life.”

He thanked the voters who had cast their vote in his favour.

“Thank you for your trust in me.

“It is always truly humbling in the knowledge that so many of my fellow residents believe in me to be their preferred candidate for such an important role.

“That is, to work and act on their behalf.

“To my family, friends and amazing team of campaign volunteers, I extend my deepest heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for everything you contributed.”

Mr Milligan described the support and encouragement he received during the campaign as “truly inspiring and incredible”.

“This reinforces to me the fact that Ipswich is a great city of wonderful people; a city brimming with immense opportunity and potential.”