Independent MPs shield themselves from crushing statewide swings to claim victory at state election

At least four independent MPs have managed to shield themselves from crushing statewide swings to claim victory at the election, although they are likely to be less powerful now.

At least four independent MPs have managed to shield themselves from crushing statewide swings to claim victory at the election — but a Labor majority will render them less powerful when parliament returns.

Former Liberals Dan Cregan, Troy Bell and Fraser Ellis all won and increased their share of two-party preferred votes, while underdog Geoff Brock spectacularly unseated Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan in his seat of Stuart. Another surprise result was in Finniss, where independent Lou Nicholson was on Sunday ahead of Liberal David Basham but only 40 per cent of the vote had been counted.

Ex-Liberal Sam Duluk lost his seat of Waite, while Frances Bedford went down to Labor in Newland.

Dan Cregan handing out how-to-vote cards with supporter Ray Duthie at Littlehampton Primary School on Saturday. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

The Liberals won majority government with 25 seats in 2018 but slipped into minority last year following the resignation of several members.

That meant it was forced to rely on the support of the crossbench in order to pass legislation through the lower house, where a majority is 24 seats or more.

But Labor has won at least 26 seats in this election, and will not require the support of independents to form government or pass legislation.

Mr Cregan attributed part of his success to a singular focus on the best interests of his Adelaide Hills community, which, he said, was the reason why he became an independent.

Independent MP Fraser Ellis won and increased his majority. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“Major party politics requires you to serve the party first, your faction second and your community last, and I believe our community recognised that wasn’t a fair deal for them,” he said.

“I sincerely believe that both major parties had overlooked critical and urgent needs in the Hills for decades and it was my private judgment that becoming an independent was the only way I could ensure a focus on those issues.”

Mr Ellis said he believed his Yorke Peninsula community had voted on his personal record.

“I ran on a platform of what I had delivered over the last four years and I think voters would have rewarded that irrespective of what colour shirt I was wearing,” he said.

The member for Narungga added he felt the Liberal government had done a “really good job”, and history would look upon Premier Steven Marshall’s term more kindly than the polls had on Saturday.

He said he believed Mr Marshall had been brought undone by his decision to open borders on November 23 and gradually reduce restrictions, which was viewed as too early by some and too late by others.

“I think Steven Marshall did an excellent job straddling the middle ground of those two camps and, as a result, potentially didn’t appease either of them,” he said.

Following Labor’s win, Mr Bell said he was stunned the election was over so soon.

“I seriously cannot believe it,” he said. “I think this serves as a good reminder that policy that is relevant – that people have been asking for – will get the results.

He said he would continue to advocate for his constituents. “Labor have addressed the health aspect but they haven’t addressed tourism.”

“Mount Gambier is not a drive-through destination, it is a destination in its own right.”