Former MP Nick Dametto declares victory in Townsville mayor election

North Queensland politician Nick Dametto has declared victory in the race to become Townsville mayor. Mr Dametto, a former Katter's Australian Party MP, resigned from state parliament and his former party to run in the hotly contested by-election. Leading comfortably and holding more than 61 per cent of the 43,000 votes counted on Sunday, Mr Dametto said he felt confident to declare the win. "I want to thank the candidates who have reached out and conceded." Among eight candidates vying for the role, Mr Dametto emerged as the clear victor early in the count on Saturday night. He said he looked forward to formal notification of his win from the electoral commission. "I'm proud to thank those Townsville residents who voted for hope; hope for a better city, to build the capital of northern Australia," he said. Premier offers congratulations The Queensland premier offered his congratulations to Mr Dametto early Sunday morning. Premier David Crisafulli posted on social media and said his government was looking forward to working with the former state MP. Townsville's acting mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, polling at just over 12 per cent of the vote, said in a concession statement on social media that the city had spoken. "Last night I called Nick Dametto to congratulate him on being elected as our next mayor," she said. "I look forward to working with Nick to deliver for Townsville." Former mayor concedes Around 142,000 Townsville City Council residents received ballots for the full postal by-election, which was triggered when former mayor Troy Thompson resigned from the role. Mr Thompson is the subject of a finished, but yet-to-be-released, Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) report following an investigation into his military, education and business credentials. He denies any wrongdoing, and is currently reviewing the CCC's draft report before its expected public release. The former mayor, who was suspended during his term, ran again in the by-election but has just 6 per cent of the ballots counted. In a statement, Mr Thompson said serving as the city's 47th mayor was an honour. "As Nick Dametto takes on the responsibility as our new mayor, the community must continue to hold leadership to the highest standards," Mr Thompson said. About 40 per cent of ballots remain outstanding and need to be received before November 25 to be counted.