Labor concedes it cannot win Currumbin by-election

The outcome of the Currumbin by-election has been settled, with Labor’s Kaylee Campradt conceding defeat.

THE outcome of the Currumbin by-election has been all but settled, with Labor admitting it has lost.

“Well this is the moment I’m actually conceding defeat in the Currumbin by-election,” Labor candidate Kaylee Campradt told supporters.

“It’s been a really tough campaign. And I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement, particularly friends and family who have been on this journey right from the beginning.”

Labor Currumbin candidate Kaylee Campradt pictured at Elanora Community Centre. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

The LNP’s Laura Gerber has maintained a lead on the primary count, with the party confident that after the distribution of preference the seat held by the retiring MP Jann Stuckey would remain with the party.

Ms Campradt called Ms Gerber to congratulate her before posting the Facebook message to her supporters.

It is understood scrutineers advised it was impossible for Labor to cut back the LNP’s lead on the primary vote.

Ms Gerber told the Bulletin: “It’s a privilege to have the support of my community. I would like to thank the people of Currumbin for backing the LNP’s plan to fix the M1, create more local jobs and get tough on crime.

“I will fight hard for Currumbin and I will be straight to work tomorrow. I am also sorry that the people of Currumbin were made to vote during a global pandemic.”

LNP's Laura Gerber. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

Ms Gerber said the LNP’s campaign had focused on the real issues, fast tracking M1 upgrades, cutting crime across Currumbin and building a strong economy to create jobs.

“I am looking forward to joining Deb Frecklington’s team because the coronavirus means more than ever Queensland needs a government that can build a strong economy to create and protect local jobs,” she said.

“I thank Deb for her leadership and support during this hard fought election. She’s a tough fighter who doesn’t back down. My priorities now are to fix the M1, create more jobs and stop crime.

During this global pandemic Currumbin needs a strong voice and that’s what I will provide.”