Labor's Charlie Sheahan puts hand up for Katrina Hodgkinson's seat

The seat is still warm but prospective candidates are already thinking ahead to the upcoming by-election.

The man who stood for Country Labor at the 2015 election has declared he will put his hand up for the state seat of Cootamundra, with current member Katrina Hodgkinson resigning on Monday.

Charlie Sheahan is also running for a spot on the recently merged Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

According to the Local Government Amendment Act 2012, Mr Sheahan would be allowed to hold both positions, if elected, until the “next ordinary council elections or for the period of two years (whichever is the shorter period)”.

Speaking to Fairfax Media, Mr Sheahan said the news was a bit of a shock, but “even pollies have a used-by date”.

“It’s about community service – it’s no good whinging about it,” Mr Sheahan said.

“Career politicians are often misguided.”

Mr Sheahan said he questioned Ms Hodgkinson over council mergers before the 2015 election.

“She denied forced mergers at the time,” he said.

“At the time, she was a cabinet minister.”

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party will also be looking to put up a candidate.

Cootamundra Herald