Stretton By-Election: James Martin elected new State member

Labor has claimed the Stretton By-Election, with the new MP saying he would do his best to do his late mate Duncan Pegg proud.

Labor has claimed victory in today’s Stretton State By-Election.

Early results from the by-election have broken decisively Labor’s way, indicating the strong personal vote cultivated by late MP Duncan Pegg has rubbed off on his right-hand man, James Martin.

With more than 70 per cent of the vote counted at the time of writing, Mr Martin had secured more than 56 per cent of first preference votes.

His LNP opponent, decorated Queensland Police sergeant Jim Bellos, meanwhile received about 32.5 per cent of the vote.

Mr Martin told The Courier-Mail he would “work everyday to continue the legacy of my friend who lost his battle to cancer too young.”

“It’s tough and there’s a tinge of sadness, this is the first campaign I’ve been involved in without my mate Duncan, I’ve known him for 20 years,” he said.

“I’m doing my best to do him proud.

“It is about continuing Duncan Pegg’s legacy.”

Mr Bellos conceded he would not be the next Member for Stretton and foreshadowed his continued commitment to the community.

“While the result is not what I hoped for, I would like to thank the people of Stretton, the LNP and everyone who has been part of the byelection,” Mr Bellos said.

“We’ve increased our vote, but not enough to win the seat.

“I congratulate James Martin on his victory and wish him well for the future.

“The cause of the by-election was tragic and James has large shoes to fill.

“We will be watching carefully to make sure that our area doesn’t miss out on its fair share,” Mr Bellos said.

With preferences from Greens and Animal Justice Party candidates Andrea Wildin (8.4 per cent) and Suzanne Clarke (1.9 per cent) likely to flow Labor’s way, it appears almost certain Mr Martin will rack up another substantial margin.

It’s understood Mr Martin has already addressed the Labor faithful at the Lucky Star Tavern Sunnybank Hills.

Mr Martin, who unsuccessfully took on LNP Calamvale Ward Councillor Angela Owen in last year’s Local Government Elections, achieving a substantial swing in defeat, aligned his campaign closely with the twin themes of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s leadership throughout COVID-19 and continuing Mr Pegg’s work in the community.

Stretton by Election

Mr Martin promised voters he would help deliver three previously announced Labor commitments: $30 million to upgrade Beaudesert Rd and Illaweena St, $30 million to upgrade the QEII Jubilee Hospital with 26 extra beds, and hiring 2025 extra Queensland Police officers at a cost of $624m over five years.

Throughout the day, Labor volunteers remained confident their man would be elected.

Stretton by Election

“When it’s 50-50 at Sunnybank Hills State School (typically a strong booth for the LNP) I know we’re going to win, and it’s been better than 50-50 today,” said one.

Earlier, Mr Bellos, a former Queenslander of the Year with deep ties to the Stretton community, believed he could cause an upset victory.

“We were told (the LNP) needed to find a one-in-a-million candidate – I believe I’m that one-in-a-million,” Mr Bellos said at the Sunnybank Hills State School booth.

Mr Bellos said he was disappointed by the acrimonious tone of the by-election.

He claimed he had been subjected to a “witch hunt” which involved a campaign of corflute vandalism and “defamatory” material appearing in his letterbox.

Meanwhile, Ms Wildin alleged she was taunted for wearing a face mask by an Informed Medical Options Party volunteer, while Mr Pegg’s family criticised Mr Bellos for producing campaign material which they claimed piggybacked on their son and brother’s good name.