Gold Coast election 2020: Cr Kristyn Boulton concedes defeat to Cr Cameron Caldwell

An incumbent Gold Coast councillor has conceded defeat following the weekend’s elections, with a heartfelt message to supporters and voters.

Kristyn Boulton has conceded. Picture: Jerad Williams

LABRADOR councillor Kristyn Boulton has conceded defeat after one of the Coast’s most intense election battles.

Fellow councillor Cameron Caldwell will be the new Division 4 councillor and an electoral redistribution forced the pair into the first head-to-head clash between incumbents since 1995.

Cr Boulton, who was elected in 2016, today wrote a farewell message to voters.

Cameron Caldwell and Kristyn Boulton. Picture: Jerad Williams

“This week I lost the Council election for the new Division 4,” she wrote.

“While I am disappointed in the outcome, I need to keep things in perspective.

“ Several of my close support crew have just lost their jobs this week as a result of the economic downturn and over a million people have lost their jobs Australia wide.

“There are also numerous people either diagnosed with or in isolation fearful of the virus.”

Cr Boulton congratulated Cr Caldwell on his victory.

Division 4 has a new councillor. Picture: Jerad Williams

In her message to supporters, Cr Boulton thanked her staff, friends and family and talked up her achievements in office.

“I now have time on my hands to turn to other challenges and I plan to examine what I can now do to support the community in this time of great change,” she said.

“I’m happy with myself and what I’ve achieved since being elected in 2016. Thank you to my current Division 4 residents who I’ve had the great honour of serving.

“In life you can give in, give up or give it all you’ve got. I gave it my all and fought hard for us to finish strong. Like many other people, in these uncertain times, I’ll now be looking for re-employment and a fresh start.”

Counting continues, with several divisions yet to be decided, with the new set to be sworn in on April 15.