Labor wins Stafford by-election on 18 May 2026 with 4% swing to LNP

Labor kept the Stafford seat today, but their lead dropped to only 1%. This is a much smaller win than in previous years.
By Newsroom | Politics, Queensland |

A Narrow Victory in a Shifting Landscape

Queensland Labor has clung to the inner-northern Brisbane seat of Stafford in a byelection marked by a significant swing against the party. Despite claiming victory, the outcome has amplified scrutiny on Opposition Leader Steven Miles, whose leadership, though publicly backed by senior figures, faces persistent external pressure. The seat, traditionally a safe Labor territory, was retained by Luke Richmond, Labor's candidate, by a slender margin.

Labor backs Miles, despite humbling Stafford byelection result - 1

The byelection saw a 4.1 per cent swing towards the Liberal National Party (LNP), shrinking Labor's majority to approximately 1 per cent. This result, secured largely on the flow of preferences primarily from the Greens, underscores a diminishing hold on a core constituency. Premier David Crisafulli, acknowledging the LNP's "agonisingly short" effort, highlighted the campaign's progress.

Labor backs Miles, despite humbling Stafford byelection result - 2

Show of Solidarity, Lingering Doubts

Miles, alongside prominent Labor MPs including Cameron Dick, Grace Grace, and Shannon Fentiman—individuals frequently named as potential leadership successors—presented a united front at a press conference in the Stafford electorate. These MPs have publicly affirmed their confidence in Miles's position, aiming to quash speculation of an imminent leadership spill.

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Labor backs Miles, despite humbling Stafford byelection result - 3

Miles himself declared, "a win is a win," and sought to attribute the reduced margin partly to the absence of a One Nation candidate, suggesting their presence would have altered the preference flow. The byelection was triggered by the death of former Labor MP Jimmy Sullivan.

Contextual Undercurrents

The contest was complicated by factors including Labor's campaign focus on alleged cuts to the Prince Charles hospital. Meanwhile, in separate international developments, Australian performer Delta Goodrem secured a fourth-place finish at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.

Labor, Steven Miles, Stafford by-election, LNP

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the Stafford by-election on 18 May 2026?
Labor candidate Luke Richmond won the seat. However, the party's lead dropped significantly, leaving them with a very thin 1% margin.
Q: How much did the vote change in the Stafford by-election?
There was a 4.1% swing toward the Liberal National Party (LNP). This shows that voters are moving away from the Labor party in this area.
Q: Does the Stafford result change the Labor leadership in Queensland?
While Steven Miles keeps his job for now, the small win has caused worry. Senior Labor members say they support him, but many people are still asking questions about his future.
Q: Why was the Stafford by-election held today?
The election was held because the former Labor member for Stafford, Jimmy Sullivan, passed away. This forced a vote to find a new person to represent the area.