Brisbane City Council election 2016: Labor’s Rod Harding concedes defeat to incumbent LNP Lord Mayor Graham Quirk

UPDATE: Labor’s Brisbane lord mayoral candidate Rod Harding said he was proud of the double digit swing he achieved, despite the party losing up to two wards.

SM_Brisbane Labor Lord Mayoral candidate Rod Harding pictured here today at council elections Saturday March 19th, 2016. Pictures: Jack Tran

LABOR’S lord mayoral candidate Rod Harding said he was proud of the double digit swing he achieved, despite the party losing up to two wards.

“The mountain was just too high, we didn’t get there in the end,” he said.

“I wish Graham Quirk well, I really do.”

He said he ran a positive campaign.

“When you’re in public office you have to be open to scrutiny,” he said.

In regards to Labor potentially losing two wards, Northgate and The Gabba, Mr Harding said there were difficulties with the incumbent councillors retiring.

“When you have councillors with high profiles retiring it’s difficult to replace them. It’s the reality of life,” he said.

OVERNIGHT: THE ALP’s Rod Harding has conceded defeat against incumbent Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, but has described his campaign as “an amazing ride”.

Mr Harding, joined by wife Anna, told supporters at Brothers Grange Community Sports Club that they fought until the end.

“The experience has been an amazing ride, I will never forget it,” Mr Harding said.

“This election has certainly achieved one thing, it won’t be business as usual at City Hall anymore.”

Brisbane Election 2016: Results

Brisbane Election 2016: Latest updates

Brisbane Election 2016: Polling booth violence

Brisbane Election 2016: Candidates list

Council Election 2016: Polling booths Moreton Bay

Council Election 2016: Mayoral candidates for Moreton Bay

Brisbane Election 2016: Polling booth queues 150-people long

Council Elections 2016: Sausage sizzles on the wane

He confirmed he had called Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to concede.

“A few moments ago, I phoned Graham Quirk to congratulate him on his win,” he said.

“I wish Graham Quirk well, I really do.

“While we didn’t have the same war-chest at the LNP, we made up for it with people power.

“Street by street we engaged with the people of Brisbane.”

He went on to thank his staff and ALP colleagues Milton Dick and Cr Shayne Sutton before joining the crowd for a well-deserved commiseration drink.