Premier hails Labor victory hours after polls close
Maeve Bannister, Farid Farid and Kat Wong |
Labor has claimed victory in a NSW seat vacated by a disgraced MP convicted of rape, nabbing it in a rare win for the government.
The by-election in Kiama was held on Saturday to pick a replacement for former MP Gareth Ward, convicted of sexual and indecent assault in July.
Labor had held the seat for three decades from its re-establishment until the then-Liberal MP claimed it in 2011, putting the party in a good position to wrestle the electorate back.
Labor candidate Katelin McInerney’s victory was the first major electoral test for the Minns government.
Premier Chris Minns said the result was a humbling success.
“My government views this result as an invitation to work even harder for the entire state,” he said on Saturday night.
“I want to thank the people of Kiama for putting their trust in Labor. We do not take that trust for granted.
“Kiama now has that voice inside government, and I know Katelin will be a fierce advocate for her community.”
With 13 candidates vying for people’s votes, election analyst Ben Raue also called the win for Labor two hours after polls closed.
It’s unusual for a government to gain a seat in a by-election, but Mr Raue said Labor had more incentive to work harder for the victory.
It is the first time in three decades a seat in a by-election has gone to the government rather than against.
A loss in Kiama would not have pushed NSW Labor out of minority government, but a win will put the party one step closer to majority power when the 2027 contest comes around.
The stakes were arguably higher for state Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, whose fate as party boss could be decided by the south coast voters.
Asked if his leadership would survive a loss, Mr Speakman batted away speculation.
“We are the underdogs,” he told reporters in Kiama on Friday.
“I will be the leader. I will continue to be the leader.
“It’s about the best representative for Kiama … it’s about electing someone who will take the toughest fight up to the government.”
Ward resigned in August after he was convicted for sexual and indecent assault in July and he is due to be sentenced next week.
Though Ward maintained a significant personal vote at the previous election, Mr Minns said Saturday’s by-election would draw a line under the disgraced MP’s time in office.
“Now it’s about turning the page,” he said.
AAP
