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Libs win Sturt to end election count in SA

An “extremely disappointed” Sonja Baram has conceded defeat in Labor’s challenge for the blue-ribbon seat of Sturt, marking the end of South Australia’s last ongoing federal election contest.

May 26, 2022, updated May 26, 2022
Sturt MP James Stevens removes election signage in his seat. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Sturt MP James Stevens removes election signage in his seat. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily

Incumbent Liberal MP James Stevens has endured a swing of 5.89 per cent against him in the eastern suburbs Liberal stronghold, but a strong pre-poll and postal vote showing has carried him over the line.

He currently leads by 1888 votes with the two-party preferred count at just under 51-49 per cent.

Baram conceded the result on Facebook late Wednesday.

“Back in February, we began our campaign in this blue-ribbon seat, held by the Liberals since 1972. We were the underdogs and faced an uphill battle from day one,” Baram said.

“Now, Sturt is likely to be one of the most marginal seats in the country. Voters in Sturt, and across our nation in their millions, have sent a clear message – that Scott Morrison and the Liberals have failed to represent them, their families and their communities.

“While I am extremely disappointed that it looks like our campaign in Sturt will fall just short, I know that an Anthony Albanese Labor Government will improve the lives of the people of Sturt through his plan for a better future.

“I congratulate James Stevens on his re-election as the Member for Sturt and wish him all the best for the next term of Parliament.”

It means Stevens will be the Liberal Party’s only federal MP from metropolitan Adelaide.

The results in all 10 South Australian federal electorates are now certain, with just one seat, Boothby, changing hands from Liberal to Labor.

Labor now holds six federal electorates in SA compared to the Liberals’ three, while independent Rebekha Sharkie was comfortably re-elected in Mayo.

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