Labor Holds Stafford Seat
Queensland Labor has claimed victory in the Stafford by-election, narrowly retaining the northern Brisbane seat. The win, however, comes with a significant swing against the party, leaving Opposition Leader Steven Miles facing heightened scrutiny. The by-election was triggered by the death of former Labor MP Jimmy Sullivan.
The final count shows Labor candidate Luke Richmond ahead with 51.2% of the two-party preferred vote, against the LNP's Fiona Hammond at 48.8%. This represents a 4.1% swing towards the Liberal National Party (LNP).
Premier David Crisafulli conceded defeat for the LNP, acknowledging the swing towards his party as a "humbling result that exceeds expectations." Despite the loss, the LNP sees the swing as a boost and a sign of potential inroads into traditionally Labor-held areas.
Internal Party Pressures Mount for Miles
While Labor officially claims a victory, the swing against the party has intensified questions surrounding Steven Miles's leadership. Senior Labor MPs, including Cameron Dick, Grace Grace, and Shannon Fentiman, publicly affirmed their support for Miles. However, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie launched a pointed critique, labeling the result "disastrous" for Labor and raising concerns over Miles's position.
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"Momentum is building," Miles reportedly boasted, framing the knife-edge win as a positive sign.
Labor’s campaign focused on highlighting alleged cuts to hospital beds at the Prince Charles Hospital, a tactic they claim contributed to their success. The outcome has been described as a "knife-edge victory," with only a few hundred votes separating the candidates.
Background
The Stafford by-election, held in Brisbane's northern suburbs, was contested following the passing of Jimmy Sullivan, a former Labor MP who had recently become an independent. Luke Richmond, Labor's former state assistant secretary, stood for the party, while Fiona Hammond, a former Brisbane City Councillor, represented the LNP. The LNP's previous win in Hinchinbrook last year had bolstered the Crisafulli government, though that seat was later lost. Analysts suggest the result, while a win for Labor, sets the stage for a potentially challenging '2028 Queensland Election'.
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