Labor’s Senator Louise Pratt is fighting for her political future after Saturday’s election saw a swing against Labor.

The re-run senate election has seen one seat delivered to Labor’s Joe Bullock, two seats have gone to the Liberals, the Palmer United Party has gained a seat and The Greens Senator Scott Ludlum has retained his seat.

The process of working out who gains the final seat is likely to take days, if not weeks, to calculate as preferences from each candidate are assigned. Indications are the final seat may go to Senator Pratt or third Liberal candidate Linda Reynolds.

Last week an audio recording emerged of Labor’s lead candidate Joe Bullock giving a speech to a Christian group. In the recording Mr Bullock described the party’s members as mad, he also questioned Senator Pratt’s sexuality and argued that Tony Abbott had the potential to be a great Prime Minister.

Mr Bullock was quick to apologise to both Senator Pratt and the party’s members when the recording was highlighted in the media. In an email to all Labor members on Friday afternoon Mr Bullock offered an apology.

“I have the utmost respect for Labor members and our supporters and share your concern for the interests of working people in this state and this country,” Mr Bullock wrote in his apology to members.

OIP Staff