NSW by-elections 2022: Michael Holland to be first ever Labor MP for Bega

In an incredible swing to Labor, south coast doctor Michael has become the party’s first ever Labor MP for the electorate.

South coast doctor Michael Holland has caused a major political upset in the seat of Bega, becoming the first ever Labor candidate to claim victory in the staunchly conservative electorate.

Dr Holland claimed victory in Saturday’s by-election about 9pm Saturday, hailing an incredible swing to Labor as his party led Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs 42.73 per cent to 35.84 per cent.

The political newcomer said the unprecedented result was a reflection on the state government and the community’s need to have its issues heard.

Winners are grinners — Michael Holland with Labor leader Chris Minns on Saturday. Picture: Gary Ramage

“It’s been a plebiscite, I believe, to want a local member who will represent (the community) with integrity and honesty,” he said.

Dr Holland said that his former ward as a doctor stretched from Batemans Bay to the Victorian border, mirroring the borders of the electorate he will now govern.

“Local politics is local and I look forward to representing the community to the best of my ability.”

Saturday’s election was triggered by the shock resignation late last year of popular Liberal MP Andrew Constance, who is hoping to head to Canberra

Despite campaigning on a continuation of Mr Constance’s legacy, Liberal candidate Ms Kotvojs failed to secure victory.

Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs at a polling booth on Saturday. Picture: Gary Ramage

Earlier in the day, Dr Holland was cautious: “Labor has never won the seat of Bega. It is going to be tough to win there is no doubt about that.”

But just hours later, he gave a victory speech at the Adelaide Hotel in Moruya, flanked by four of his daughters and his wife Lyn.

Embracing his partner, he said he had been helped out of the “pit” of self-doubt by Mrs Holland only days out from the election.

Liberal volunteers looked forlorn after polls closed, with one party veteran labelling it the toughest election of his lifetime.

Dr Holland put local healthcare front and centre of his campaign, and many voters cited slow movement on Eurobodalla Hospital as the major motivator to vote Labor.

Local mum Alyshia Sharpe said she was frustrated by the poor state of the hospital.

“I had a baby a year ago, it was raining and the roof was leaking so they had to move all their expensive medical gear,” she said.

“It was awful. We need better services … we’ve had a baby boom in the last two years but the resources just aren’t here.”

Another Moruya voter, Seamus Smith, said he was happy to see the local doctor on the ballot.

“My daughter has complex health needs and he’s been amazing for years and years, so if he can make it to the big house and make a change that’s what we want,” he said.

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