Seats declared, Staley officially out

THE official results from last month’s State election are in, and they have confirmed what many already knew, Golden Plains Shire is all Labor.

Geographically, the majority of the municipality is made up of the new seat of Eureka, with Michella Settle becoming its first representative and expanding to become the local member for much of the north-east and central parts of the Shire.

Geelong, which grew to take in Bannockburn, was a strong win for sitting member Christine Couzens.

However, the main drama was in the north-west of the Shire which was redistributed into the Division of Ripon and saw the defeat of sitting member Louise Staley.

Ms Staley held out on conceding until 11 days after the election, even though most pundits had awarded the win to Labor’s Martha Haylett on the night.

When she did concede, Ms Staley said the 26 November vote would be her last.

“My time in public life has now ended. I will not be a candidate in the future but I look forward to backing the next Liberal candidate for Ripon and helping her or him win back the seat for the Liberal Party in 2026,” she said.

“Representing the people of Ripon in the Victorian Parliament has been the greatest honour and delight of my professional life.

“I loved every minute of it and I thank the Liberal Party for preselecting me and the voters for electing me twice.

“I congratulate Martha Haylett MP on her election.”

Once conceded, Ms Haylett acknowledged Ms Staley for her time as the Member for Ripon.

“I thank her for her service to our community over the last eight years,” Ms Haylett said.

“To the voters of Ripon, I am humbled by your support. I understand the job you’ve given me and I will not let you down.”