Finocchiaro said her party would get to work on delivering its plan to reduce crime,rebuild the economy and restore the lifestyle of Territorian,adding that the election victory represented a turning point for the territory’s future,she said.

“Territorians have used their voice to stand up against Labor who have taken them for granted for far too long,” Finocchiaro said.

“Territorians have stood up against nearly two decades of escalating crime and an economy going backwards,and the erosion of our once-iconic lifestyle.”

Labor will now turn its mind to finding a new leader. Lawler said it had been an honour to lead the Northern Territory.

“Every day I drove into work,I would pinch myself and say this is an honour,” she said. “I would have liked longer but it is now up to Labor … in opposition to rebuild and look forward,but also to listen to what Territorians have said. That is politics.”

Former chief minister and Labor MP Natasha Fyles said the result was disappointing but paid tribute to Lawler.

“Palmerston is tough. She was the first person to be re-elected as a Labor member with the redistribution,but the other factors with the swing against the Labor Party has played into that,” Fyles told ABC Television.

In the seat of Fannie Bay,things look promising for Greens candidate Suki Dorras-Walker,who leads the CLP in early voting. A win there would be the first ever for the Greens in the Northern Territory.

In the seat of Mulka,independent candidate Yingiya Mark Guyula was poised to defeat the CLP,promising to represent his country constituents.

Key issues to emerge during the election campaign included the environment,crime and cost of living.

AAP

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.