Tamworth's history of independents and National MPs

For more than half a century, it's swung back and forth between independent MPs and the National Party, almost like clockwork.

Former independent Tamworth MP Peter Draper put his hand up in 2003 when he become "disillusioned with the lack of action by the Nationals once they resumed the reins".

"People in this region are very perspective, they know if a change of government is certain and that it's in their interest not to beholden to a party that's not in power," Mr Draper said.

"That's happened in the past and the last thing the community wants is a backbencher in opposition, because then we will really get neglected."

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NSW Nationals chairman and Bective egg farmer Bede Burke said the electorate's rouge independent streak kept his party on its toes, forcing it to put its best foot forward everyday.

"It means we can't take anything for granted and must leave no stone un-turned," Mr Burke said.

"You never own an electorate. It's a bit like being a member of the Australian test cricket team, you're a custodian of the game and the people.

"Historically, we have had independents who have held the balance of power and have certainly been able to leverage that. But it's also important to note what you can do in government."

Mr Burke said he respected previous independent MPs such as Mr Draper, Tony Windsor and current candidate Mark Rodda.

"But when it comes time to play, we're in it to win," Mr Burke said.

"We're on different teams. In politics, it's a bit like footy grand final: there are no prizes for coming second."

Mr Draper said there would always be an opportunity for an independent politician in the electorate if they're "prepared to work hard".

"As an independent, you cannot let an opportunity slip by, because it will not come again," he said.

"I use to buttonhole ministers on the way to a division. If you're in the lift with them, you're guaranteed 30 seconds to get in their ear about something."

Mr Draper said he thought of himself as a "conduit, taking the voice of the people to parliament".

"The new Tamworth hospital, the Chaffey Dam upgrade and the Barraba pipeline, they were all driven by the community," he said.

"The only reason we got the Tamworth hospital so quickly - much to the dismay of the Wagga Wagga MP who had been promising one for 16 years - is that we did the work.

"I worked with the health services, and got funding to get the plans prepared, so when the opportunity came around we were the only ones ready."

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THE electorate of Tamworth has unique history.

For more than half a century, it's swung back and forth between independent MPs and the National Party, almost like clockwork.

That trend goes back even further to the 1940s, if you include the long-standing MP Bill Chaffey, who swung from an independent representative to the Country Party and back again during his 33-year reign.

After Mr Chaffey retired as an independent in 1973, the seat was regained by the Nationals through Noel Park, who held the seat for 13 years.

Enter the independent juggernaut Tony Windsor, who wrestled the seat off the Nationals in 1991.

After a decade as the Tamworth MP, Mr Windsor resigned to contest the federal seat of New England.

The subsequent 2001 Tamworth by-election was won by National Party candidate John Cull, who defeated Tamworth mayor James Treloar, an independent endorsed by Mr Windsor.

However, Mr Cull's reign was short-lived, losing the 2003 election to independent candidate Peter Draper, who secured a narrow 2.5 per cent margin.

Mr Draper won re-election in 2007 and almost doubled his margin.

In 2011, the seat again swapped hands, with Mr Draper losing to Nationals candidate and current MP Kevin Anderson with a 12.5 per cent swing.

Mr Anderson was re-elected in 2015, again beating Mr Draper with a 10 per cent majority.

The Tamworth MP is seeking his third term in office, facing challenges from independent Mark Rodda, a Tamworth councillor, and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon.