Queensland election results 2017: Meaghan Scanlon claims victory in Gaven

QUEENSLAND’S youngest-ever female MP has officially claimed the Gold Coast seat of Gaven in a historic election victory that may have sealed the deal for a second Palaszczuk Government.

QUEENSLAND’S youngest-ever female MP has officially claimed the Gold Coast seat of Gaven in a historic election victory that has secured Annastacia Palaszczuk power.

Meaghan Scanlon, a 24-year-old Labor lawyer, gave her first media conference today since wresting Gaven from LNP incumbent Sid Cramp.

It’s the first Gold Coast seat that Labor has held on the Coast in five years, breaking the LNP stranglehold.

Labor's Meaghan Scanlon said an upgraded M1 was one of her priorities. File picture

Ms Scanlon will become the youngest woman to sit in State Parliament and the second-youngest MP ever after former minister and opposition leader Lawrence Springborg, who was first elected at 21 in 1989.

“I think it’s really important that we have diversity in Parliament and I certainly am really grateful to be given this opportunity,” she told journalists.

“I know that I stand on the shoulders of great women who came before me so that I have this opportunity. Years ago, we probably wouldn’t have seen a 24-year-old female in Parliament.

“But I’m a hard worker and I want to make sure we get the best for our community.”

Ms Scanlon said a re-elected majority Labor Government was important for the Coast to ensure stability ahead of the Commonwealth Games in April.

She said she would be focused on delivering election pledges including an upgraded M1.

Ms Scanlon said she had not heard from Mr Cramp, who has gone to ground since the election.

Originally published as Queensland election results 2017: Meaghan Scanlon claims victory in Gaven