Steve O’Brien from the Socialist Alliance party has drawn the top spot on the ballot paper for Newcastle’s state by-election.
Labor candidate Tim Crackanthorp and The Greens’ Michael Osbourne drew second and third position.
Meanwhile Independent Luke Arms has taken poll position on the ballot for Charlestown.
Both by-elections, to be held on October 25, will be without a candidate from the New South Wales Liberal Party.
It comes in the wake of damning evidence given at the ICAC’s inquiry into illegal donations during the 2011 state election.
The former members of Newcastle (Tim Owen) and Charlestown (Andrew Cornwell) resigned after admitting to receiving donations from prohibited donors.
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