Mr Aughey, who has previously been a Labor Party candidate, brushed aside the rumour that he planned to run for Frome and said his first priority was to the people of the council district.

While nominations for the seat will not close until tomorrow, at least six candidates will contest the seat which has been held by former Liberal Premier Rob Kerin since 1993.

They are police officer Terry Boylan (Liberal), postal worker John Rohde (Labor), Port Pirie Mayor Geoff Brock (Independent), Port Pirie Deputy Mayor Neville Wilson (Nationals), Dublin resident Peter Fitzpatrick (One Nation) and Hallett resident Joy O’Brien (Greens)

At the 2006 state election, Mr Kerin was returned with a 3.5 percent margin on a two-party preferred basis.

The winner of the Frome by-election will have just over 12 months to make their mark before the next State election in March, 2010.

A total of 22,142 electors are enrolled to vote in the by-election, 161 more than 2006.

Voting is compulsory, and early voting is available from December 22 until January 16 at the State Electoral Commission offices in Port Pirie or in Adelaide.

Postal vote applications can be obtained at post offices, from the State Electoral Office (1300 655 232) or www.seo.sa.gov.au.

– More coverage, Pages 2, 14-15