Dr Kerryn Phelps is Australia’s newest member of federal parliament after successfully winning the Wentworth by-election.
The independent politician will replace Malcolm Turnbull as the member for Wentworth, ending decades of the Liberal party holding the inner-city Sydney seat.
“More than anything this is a great moment for Australian democracy” Dr Phelps said of her win, describing it as a return to decency, integrity and humanity in Australian politics.
Thanking her supporters at a function at the North Bondi Social Club Dr Phelps said she was humbled by their support.
The new MP said voters had seen through the nastiness of the campaign and recognised her campaign as a grassroots campaign that aimed to represent local people. Dr Phelps said she was ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work representing the people of Wentworth.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison today was a tough day, but great days still lay ahead for the Liberal party. The result of the by-election was the largest ever swing against a sitting government in a by-election.
The loss of Wentworth sees the government plunged into minority and dependent on the support of the cross-bench.
“We will work constructively with all those who sit on the cross-bench, as we always have.” the Prime Minister said, declaring he was confident that he could win the next federal election.
“The bell hasn’t rung” Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Liberal party members. “We will take this all the way to the next election.”
Liberal candidate Dave Sharma congratulated Dr Phelps on her success saying she was an outstanding Australian and he hoped she would be a great representative for the electorate.
Dr Phelps election also increases the number of LGBT people in the federal parliament joining Liberal members Dean Smith, Trent Zimmerman and Trevor Evans, Labor’s Penny Wong, Julian Hill and Louise Pratt, alongside The Green’s Janet Rice.
OIP Staff
