Cynthia celebrates historic win as One Nation stands its ground

CYNTHIA Lui will celebrate a historic win and then switch into work mode after being declared Cook’s new MP by the Labor Party.

• Labor defeats One Nation in Cook
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CYNTHIA Lui will celebrate a historic win and then switch into work mode after being declared Cook’s new MP by the Labor Party.

But her adversary, One Nation candidate for Cook Jen Sackley, is refusing to concede defeat.

The Cairns Post understands Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called Ms Lui yesterday afternoon to congratulate the 40-year-old, who is poised to become the first Torres Strait Islander elected to office in the nation’s history.

“I never thought this was going to be the path I would eventually take,” she said.

“But now that I’m here … I will give it everything I’ve got.

“The news today is amazing and I’m going to celebrate.”

Ms Lui, who was born and raised on Yam Island, said her patience had been tested while waiting for the result but she was now looking forward to visiting the remote communities across her colossal electorate.

“Cook is so big, it’s (about) sitting down and talking to local government, getting on board with their priorities and looking towards the new year.

“My key priorities coming into this were always health, education and employment.”

But despite Ms Lui having received about 40 per cent of first preference votes, Ms Sackley yesterday said Labor was “way out of line” in declaring victory in Cook.

“We haven’t finished exhausting all preferences – there are still a lot to be counted,” she said.

“We’re still feeling fine… we need to keep watching this space.”

Originally published as Cynthia celebrates historic win as One Nation stands its ground