Politician breaks down as pressure mounts
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Independent MLA Gerry Wood breaks down during a press conference. (ABC TV)
The independent MLA who holds the balance of power in the Northern Territory Parliament, Gerry Wood, has broken down during a press conference.
Mr Wood has held the balance of power since former Labor minister Alison Anderson quit the party last year.
In August, he decided to support Labor during a no-confidence motion brought by the Country Liberals, keeping the Henderson Government in power.
Since then, he has been under pressure by both sides of politics over every decision he makes.
On radio this morning, Mr Wood insisted he was not a "kingmaker", saying it was an "overreaction" by the media.
Later, at a press conference, Mr Wood cried when pressed over his decision to keep Labor in power instead of handing it to the Opposition or forcing an election.
"Look, I just simply say I was doing, am doing, what I believe is right, right for Territorians," he said.
"It is hard but it is right.
"Sorry."
He was then overcome with emotion and left the press conference.
The Opposition Leader, Terry Mills, has called for Mr Wood to resign and hold a by-election in his seat.
Mr Mills said Mr Wood sent him a letter saying he will not support any legislation that the Country Liberals put forward.
Mr Mills said that means Mr Wood is no longer independent.
"Effectively he is a de facto member of the Labor Government," he said.
"By trading so heavily and so strongly for so many years on the role of the independent the people of Nelson need to be made very aware that this has in fact occurred."
Mr Wood says the deal he signed with Labor last year does not mean he will support all Labor policies, just that he will not support the Country Liberals.
"What I've said is that if I think a particular legislation is worthy of support I will abstain and then I will be sending a message to the Government that they should consider it," Mr Wood said.
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