Queensland Premier Concedes Stafford Seat to Labor
Queensland Liberal Premier David Crisafulli has conceded the inner-northern Brisbane seat of Stafford to Labor following a closely contested by-election.
Although the final result was not declared on Saturday night and the outcome may depend on postal votes, Crisafulli acknowledged that the Liberal National Party (LNP) candidate Fiona Hammond was unlikely to secure victory. He also noted that his party experienced a substantial swing towards it during the campaign.
"I do think we’re going to fall agonisingly short, guys. I think we’re going to fall agonisingly short, but boy, oh boy, what an incredible campaign from an incredible, incredible candidate."
With nearly 80% of ballots counted on Saturday evening, Labor’s Luke Richmond held a lead of 768 votes late on Saturday night. Chief ABC analyst Casey Briggs commented on X that Labor was likely to retain the seat despite a 4.1% swing against them.
"Labor is likely to retain Stafford. There has been a 4.1 per cent swing against Labor with additional postal votes still to be counted. But for the LNP to win from here, those postal votes would need to break very strongly in its favour. That is very unlikely to happen."
Voting Details and By-Election Background
Polls closed at 6pm, with over 14,000 people casting ballots on the day. Early voting accounted for almost 42% of total votes, with 13,530 votes cast in person and 3,860 by post.
The by-election in this marginal electorate was triggered by the sudden death of former independent MP Jimmy Sullivan on 9 April. Sullivan had been expelled from the Labor Party in May 2025 due to legal and medical concerns.
Opposition Leader Comments and Leadership Context
Opposition leader Steven Miles addressed Labor’s election night gathering, expressing confidence in the result.
"I am so thrilled to tell you that Luke Richmond is the new member for Stafford."
The by-election was widely regarded as a test of former premier Miles’ leadership, who assumed party leadership in December 2023, succeeding Annastacia Palaszczuk.
When asked whether Labor might perform better under different leadership, Miles stated on Saturday night:
"That would be a decision for the caucus, but I have the support of the caucus right now to be leader."
Live News Update
Good morning and welcome to our Sunday live news blog. I’m Stephanie Convery, bringing you the top stories today.
First, Labor is likely to have won the Stafford by-election despite a 4.1% swing against them. The party was leading with nearly 80% of ballots counted for the inner northern Brisbane seat late on Saturday evening, though the final result could depend on postal votes.
Additionally, five men have been charged by the Australian Federal Police as part of an investigation into the alleged access and distribution of extremist material online.
Grab yourself a coffee, and I’ll bring you more updates on these events shortly.
