Alex Dighton pays tribute to son, Clancy, who died last year aged nine weeks

Labor’s Alex Dighton has revealed how a family tragedy last year gave him strength and “carried him through” the Black by-election.

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Labor’s newest MP has paid tribute to his dead son for sustaining him before a crushing Black by-election win as Premier Peter Malinauskas has laid down the law to his government that he will not tolerate arrogance or complacency.

New Labor politician, private school leader and father of two Alex Dighton, 46, is poised to record an extraordinary almost double-digit swing over Liberal opponent, Holdfast Bay mayor Amanda Wilson, 53, in the southern suburbs seat.

Labor’s Alex Dighton with his wife Claire and their son, Albie after his win at the Boatshed Cafe at Hallett Cove. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Mr Dighton, a former Sacred Heart College deputy principal of Hallett Cove, paid tribute to his family, team and his opponents for a positive campaign as he expressed sadness for leaving behind his students.

His wife Claire and five-year-old son Albie – who loved posing in photographs with “spy glasses” on – joined him at a popular cafe on Sunday to face the media, where he paid an emotional tribute to his youngest child Clancy, who died last year aged nine weeks.

“Clancy, sadly, is not here with us,” he said.

“He demonstrated so much grace and strength and that has carried me through this campaign period.

“I want to acknowledge being a candidate is a big task and sacrifice not just personally but also to family and I acknowledge the impact that may have had on them.”

In a result that stunned senior Labor officials after former Liberal MP David Speirs quit amid drug supply charges, the government has created more than a century of political history after winning two by-elections off opposition MPs – both former Liberal leaders – in eight months.

As recriminations reverberated through Liberal ranks, Mr Malinauskas on Sunday repeatedly vowed his team would focus on putting the state first, and not on their success, as he expressed “gratitude” for the landslide win.

“I just want to make this plain and clear,” said the Premier, who is due to fly out to the COP29 climate change conference on Monday in Azerbaijan.

Premier Peter Malinauskas addresses the Labor faithful after Alex Dighton’s win in the Black by-election. Picture: Supplied

Premier Peter Malinauskas and Alex Dighton at Hallett Cove on Sunday. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

“We’re really conscious of the size of responsibility to really grab all the opportunities that confront our state now. There are a lot.

“Of course there are challenges. Of course, at the moment a lot of households and businesses are feeling the pinch with a cost of living crisis.

“I’ve been on the phone to senior colleagues last night and then again this morning, this government just has to keep getting on with the job. We need to get back to work and focus on the task at hand.”

Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia fronts the media at Hallett Cove on Sunday after the Black by-election loss, flanked by Upper House Liberal Heidi Girolamo and deputy leader John Gardner. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia said it was a “very disappointing result” but vowed to rebuild his party.

Senior government sources said many believed the party would fall short.

“(The Premier) is happy, especially for Alex but he’s not getting carried away and has made it clear to everyone the key is now not being complacent,” one said.

Mr Malinauskas said being governing was a “rare privilege” but he would not “look in the rear-view mirror” ahead of the 2026 poll.

Declining to comment on Liberal turmoil or “exaggerated analysis”, he said his satisfaction “should come from the policy agenda”.

“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.

“To win a by-election like this is a rare privilege but it doesn’t mean there is so much more work to be done. Those by-election results don’t make those challenges disappear.”