Glen Kelly wins Mirani as election results officially declared

The central Queensland grazier has resurrected the LNP in his electorate, and stolen a seat off the Katter’s Australian Party.

Queensland LNP Members and candidates for the October 26, 2024 election - Glen Kelly LNP for Mirani

A central Queensland grazier has brought the LNP back from the dead in the electorate of Mirani, winning the seat for the first time since 2012.

Glen Kelly faced a nerve-racking two weeks after election night, including a long period of the Electoral Commission of Queensland not updating any vote totals online.

“It’s a heck of a journey,” Mr Kelly said.

“We had to resurrect the LNP in Mirani, yet alone win the damn thing. We knew it would be a hell of a job.”

Glen Kelly was with family and friends at Wests Tigers Walkerston on election night when multiple news outlets called the seat in his favour — but he wasn’t ready to celebrate yet. Photo: Fergus Gregg

In the end he said he carried the seat by 617 votes, winning it from former One Nation MP Stephen Andrew, who ran as a KAP candidate in the most recent election.

Mr Andrew pointed his advocacy in Parliament over the last seven years with “no party support” from One Nation, noting it was always going to be tough with a new party.

“We led the fight in a lot of ways and I’m proud of that... we came so close to winning,” Mr Andrew said.

“I’m sure the people of Mirani will be keeping a very close eye on how this goes.”

Mr Andrew said he would continue to advocate for Queenslanders outside parliament.

Former MP of Mirani, Steven Andrew at the Mackay Showgrounds, spruiking his new party — Katter’s Australian Party. Picture: Paul Brescia

Mr Kelly said he wanted to talk to his wife before doing anything after getting the news, who works as a schoolteacher.

“My girls are with her and today just shows how much we’ve put into it,” Mr Kelly said.

“They’ve been amazing with door knocking.

“After we heard the result, they’ve broke down. It took its toll on us.

“It took this answer to finally say we’ve got it.”

Nigel Dalton, David Crisafulli, Glen Kelly in Eungella, overlooking the Pioneer Valley.

Mr Kelly said he had not heard from Mr Andrew yet, but he respects him greatly, and that they understand the toll of campaigning as a politician in a rural electorate.

“You spend a lot of time on the road, I’m doing it for my children but you just don’t see them — it’s 62,000 odd square kilometres which means a lot of driving, talking to people and listening to their concerns.”

As for how he planned on celebrating, Mr Kelly is keeping things simple.

“I’ll sit on the veranda with my dachshund, wait for my kids to get home” he said.

“It’s an amazing day. It’s not every day you get your backside in the Queensland Parliament.”