Robertson retains status as bellwether seat as Labor claims election victory
The New South Wales Central Coast electorate of Robertson has maintained its status as the nation's longest-surviving bellwether seat.
Ever since 1983,
Election essentials:
By about 9pm on election night, it became obvious that trend, which has now spanned 16 elections in a row, would continue.
Labor's sitting member Gordon Reid arrived at Labor's function in Ettalong to raucous applause as the Split Enz song I See Red blared through the speakers.
"It is becoming increasingly clear that Robertson will be retained by the Australian Labor Party," he told the crowd.
"We go again with the bellwether. The people have spoken tonight and I'm very happy with that result.
"What you have achieved has made our region and our country a better place for all."
A crowd of ALP supporters celebrates the party's victory in the bellwether seat of Robertson.
(
Emma Simkin: ABC Central Coast
)
The Liberal Party's Lucy Wicks held the seat from 2013 until 2022, when she lost to Dr Reid.
The sitting member entered the election campaign on a margin of 2.2 per cent, but on Saturday night seemed set to increase that buffer on the back of a swing of 3.5 per cent.
Dr Reid, a Wiradjuri man, paid tribute to his grandmother, who encouraged him to enter politics prior to the 2022 election.
Gordon Reid celebrates with his grandmother Robyn Reid after winning the federal seat of Robertson.
(
Emma Simkin: ABC Central Coast
)
Aunty Robyn Reid said she could not be prouder of his victory the second time around.
"He will be prime minister one day," she said.
"
I've given him 10 years and I reckon he will make prime minister.
"
But Dr Reid played down that prediction.
"I've got a few more doors to knock on before I got there," he said.
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Campaign focus 'on the people'
Ms Wicks said it had been a "difficult" campaign.
"The focus remained where it mattered most, on the people of Robertson," she said in a statement to the ABC.
"To every person who shared their story, opened their door, or offered their support along the way, thank you."
Ms Wicks congratulated her opponent and said the people of Robertson would now look to him for strong representation.
"I sincerely hope he serves our community with the dedication it deserves," she said.
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