New Black MP Alex Dighton’s win getting stronger with pre-poll and postal vote swing

The SA Liberals’ Black by-election disaster has deepened, with pre-poll and postal votes expected to favour the Libs instead adding to new Labor MP Alex Dighton’s huge win.

New Black MP Alex Dighton has recorded strong results among pre-poll and postal voters as counting continues following Saturday’s Black by-election.

Labor’s Mr Dighton remained ahead of Liberal candidate Amanda Wilson 60.1-39.9 per cent on a two-party preferred basis as the count progressed on Wednesday afternoon.

More than 10,000 declaration ballots – votes that were not cast on election day – have been added to the tally this week.

Declaration votes typically favour the Liberals but Mr Dighton has managed to retain his substantial election-night lead.

Ms Wilson conceded she had lost the election on Saturday night.

Overall, more than 21,600 votes have now been counted in the by-election – of a total 26,540 electors enrolled.

Mr Dighton secured 48 per cent of first-preference votes, ahead of Ms Wilson’s 34 per cent and Greens candidate Sarah Luscombe’s 13 per cent.

The Black by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Liberal leader David Speirs, who faced court on a drug supply charge the day before the poll.

Alex Dighton with Premier Peter Malinauskas. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Mr Speirs, who had held the seat with a 2.7 per cent margin in the lead-up to the vote, has vowed to fight to clear his name of the allegation.

The defeat left the Liberals with just 13 of the 47 seats in SA’s lower house, their equal lowest total ever.

This week, Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia acknowledged the crushing loss was a “terrible” result, and said the party would now review the outcome, make adjustments and get on with its work.

He said the Liberal campaign had been hindered by the late-term abortion debate that was ignited last month by Liberal MLC and shadow cabinet member Ben Hood.

Mr Hood introduced a bill that would have required mothers seeking abortions after 28 weeks to deliver their babies alive – but the proposal was defeated in the upper house.

Mr Tarzia, who held a meeting with his shadow cabinet at parliament on Monday, labelled the abortion debate “a distraction”.

“We’ve had party reviews that have told us these conscience issues distract the party from its core business in the lead up to elections,” he said.

“Under my leadership we won’t be revisiting it.”

Meanwhile, Premier Peter Malinauskas said the government would not tolerate arrogance or complacency among its MPs after the decisive win.

“Regardless of the result … it doesn’t change our attitude,” he said.

“It would be unwise and a big mistake for any political party or leader to start off thinking what this means for our ability to get on with the job.”