Elliot re-elected as Laborsweeps to historic win

LABOR MP Justine Elliot has claimed victory in the seat of Richmond, securing an eighth consecutive term as the Albanese Government surged to a historic national win.

Elliot formally declared victory on Tuesday, after a campaign that saw strong support across the electorate and a swing to Labor.

“I am so honoured to have been re-elected as your local MP with a swing to Labor,” Elliot said.

“We faced a tough campaign, but in the end, locals voted for Australian values – fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all – and these are the values that drive our Labor Government.”

At the time of going to print, Labor had secured 87 seats in the House of Representatives – the most the party has ever won in a federal election.

As election night results rolled in on Saturday, it quickly became clear the Coalition was in deep trouble.

Within hours, Peter Dutton had lost his seat, the first major party leader to be ousted by voters in their own electorate since John Howard in 2007, and the Coalition’s primary vote was in freefall.

The result marks Labor’s strongest showing since Bob Hawke’s victories in the 1980s, and the first time since 2004 that an incumbent prime minister has led their party to back-to-back federal election wins.

Elliot said the result reflected support for continued investment in healthcare, education and other essential services.

“To the voters of Richmond, thank you for putting your trust in me for the eighth time,” she said.

“Your support means so much to me, and you can count on me to be a strong voice at the table in the Albanese Labor Government.

“Thank you to my family, my team, and all my volunteers and supporters – together, we made more than 50,000 calls and doorknocks in this campaign.”

In the wake of the Coalition’s collapse, speculation over the party’s leadership intensified.

With Dutton gone, senior figures including Sussan Ley, Dan Tehan and Angus Taylor are jostling for the leadership amid factional infighting.