ED Cocks has been elected on a countback to replace recently resigned Liberal member Giulia Jones in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

The former deputy opposition leader’s resignation last month triggered the countback in Murrumbidgee, for which Mr Cocks received a majority of preferences after Mrs Jones’ votes were distributed by computer count this afternoon (June 20).

Mr Cocks, who has lived in Canberra his whole life, has been a policy convener for the Canberra Liberals and worked in the Australian Public Service, including in a current role at the federal Department of Health.

A father of two, Mr Cocks has also served on a school board and has been involved with numerous local community councils.

Other candidates who contested the vacancy included:

• Fiona Carrick (Independent)
• Stephen Lin (Canberra Progressives)
• Amardeep Singh (Canberra Liberals)
• Sarah Suine (Canberra Liberals)
• Brendan Whyte (Independent)

Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee congratulated Mr Cocks on his election.

“Ed is known around the Liberal party as an incredibly hard working grassroots campaigner,” she said.

“As policy convener for the Canberra Liberals, Ed was instrumental in fighting to keep Canberra jobs in the capital and I know he will continue to do that.

“I have no doubt he will be an asset for the Canberra Liberals and the people of Murrumbidgee as we head towards the 2024 election.”