CLP Member for Daly Ian Sloan has announced this morning that he will retire from politics less than a year after being elected, triggering a by-election for the hotly contested seat.

Mr Sloan made the surprise announcement at a press conference this morning that was called with only 20 minutes notice.

He said in a prepared statement that he was standing down “due to health reasons”.

“This has been a difficult decision, one that I have taken time to consider as I am fully aware of the implications this will have on the electorate of Daly, the staff in my office, my parliamentary colleagues, the Party and my family,” he said.

“However, due to health reasons, I have reached the point that I have decided to step down to focus on myself and my family as I feel I can’t properly represent the people of Daly at this time.”

Mr Sloan said he was “disappointed” that he was resigning.

“In closing, I would also like to acknowledge my team in the office at Daly, they do an amazing job and I am disappointed that the journey ended this way,” he said.

“Finally, I would like to thank my family for all their support over this difficult journey. My family has been and will remain my number one priority and none of my achievements would have ever been possible without their support.”

Mr Sloan will formally resign after next week’s parliamentary sittings. A date for the by-election is yet to be set.

Mr Sloan took the seat after former CLP leader Gary Higgins retired at the August 2020 general election, but it was a close race, resulting in a victory of only 94 votes against Labor candidate Anthony Venes.

Mr Sloan was the CLP spokesperson for a number of portfolios, including agribusiness and aquaculture, local government and arts and culture. He also owns the Berry Springs Tavern.

The Daly electorate includes the communities of Adelaide River, Acacia Hills, Batchelor, Dundee Beach, Pine Creek, Timber Creek and Wadeye.

CLP Leader Lia Finocchairo called Mr Sloan a “an exceptional and humble local member” and said she fully supports his decision to resign.

“Our thoughts are very much with Ian and his family at this challenging time,” she said in a statement.

“Ian has made this decision with the greatest of integrity, acknowledging he can’t represent his vast and diverse electorate while looking after his health and, in the best interests of both, he’s stepping down in the most dignified way.”

Ms Finocchiaro said the CLP will be responsible for a preselection process for a new candidate and called for a by-election “as soon as possible”.

“Ultimately, the people of Daly must be represented in Parliament as soon as possible and we have asked the Gunner Government to give consideration for a by-election to be held at the earliest available opportunity,” she said.

There are currently 14 Labor Members in Parliament, eight CLP Members and three independents.