ABOVE: Richie Williamson, centre, is the new MP for Clarence. Pictured above in campaign mode with former MP Chris Gulaptis and supporters.
The National Party has held on to the seat of Clarence.
Incumbent Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis retires and Richie Williamson steps forward as the new State MP for Clarence.
Mr Williamson was mayor of Clarence Valley Council in 2008-2016
He grew up in a village south of Grafton and has spent in life in Clarence and Richmond Valley.
Clarence has stayed as a Coalition seat against a state trend of a swing to Labor.
Mr Williamson said they ran “a disciplined, well funded and well-messaged campaign”.
Mr Williamson said he felt humbled and proud to represent Clarence Valley and Richmond Valley.
“I will work tirelessly,” he said.
He talked about Mr and Ms Kelly who were sleeping in their home with the Richmond River three metres from their front door.
“They don’t want to leave. They want to lift their home,” he said.
One of his first jobs when “the dust settles” was to meet with the Northern River Reconstruction Corporation’s David Witherdin to get an update and to tell Mr Witherdin how important it was to communicate with their clients.
First thing tomorrow though, he will whipper snipper and mow the lawn.
Then when the working week starts, Mr Williamson begins his job as Clarence MP.
