Federal election 2019: Tony Abbott loses Warringah to Zali Steggall

Tony Abbott has delivered his concession speech after losing the safe Liberal seat of Warringah, but he said it wasn’t all bad news.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has lost the safe Liberal seat of Warringah that he has held since 1994.

Independent candidate Zali Steggall will win the northern beaches seat against Mr Abbott.

Speaking from his election party in Brookvale tonight, Mr Abbott said his defeat was made up by Scott Morrison looking likely to hold on as Prime Minister.

“The good news is much more important than the bad news. The good news is that there is every chance that the Liberal-National Coalition has won this election,” Mr Abbott said.

“So, of course, it’s disappointing for us here in Warringah, but what matters is what’s best for the country.

“And what’s best for the country is not so much who wins or loses Warringah, but who forms, or does not form, a government in Canberra.”

“I have to say that once we had the result in the Wentworth by-election, six months or so back, I always knew it was going to be tough here in Warringah.

“And I can’t say that it doesn’t hurt to lose. But I decided back then, in October of last year, that if I had to lose, so be it. I’d rather be a loser than a quitter.”

When Mr Abbott congratulated Ms Steggall on her victory, the crowd booed, before he told them to stop.

One man yelled out “We love you Tony!” as he spoke.

“It’s often said that all public lives end badly. But I’m certainly not going to let one bad day spoil 25 great years,” Mr Abbott said.

Mr Abbott said the count so far indicated that in a number of unexpected electorates, “we are doing so much better”.

Tony Abbott arriving at his Election party at Manly Leagues Club tonight after being defeated by independent Zali Steggall. Picture: Tim Hunter.

But he added: “It’s also clear that in some, what might be described as wealthy seats, we’re doing tough and the green-left are doing better.

He briefly addressed the issue of climate change, which played a significant role in the local Warringah campaign.

“Where climate change is a moral issue, we Liberals do it tough. Where climate change is an economic issue, as tonight shows, we do very, very well.”

In closing, Mr Abbott said he wasn’t going to let one bad day spoil 25 successful years.

“I’m incredibly proud of all that I’ve done.

“Obviously, there are some things that with the wisdom of hindsight, might’ve been done differently and better.

“But I look back on the past 25 years with immense pride and satisfaction.”

Ms Steggall has addressed her supporters after toppling political veteran Tony Abbott in Warringah.

The former Olympian and barrister turned independent candidate struggled to be heard over the crowd chanting her name, opening her speech by simply saying “what a day”.

“Tonight, Warringah has definitely voted for the future,” Ms Steggall said. “And you all showed that when communities want change, they make it happen.

“This is a win for moderates with a heart.”

She paid tribute to Mr Abbott for his long service to the electorate, saying that “nobody can doubt his community spirit, his work ethic and his contribution to this community”.

Ms Steggall spoke of her commitment to action on climate change, pledging to be a leader on the issue when she gets to Canberra.

“Warringah, we have a new beginning for our environment. I will keep the new government to account.”

Her momentous victory is also an opportunity for a “new beginning in Australian politics”, Ms Steggall said.

Zali Steggall’s supporters Rob Nercessian and Sue Rowlands danced as news dropped about Tony Abbott. Picture: AAP/Dylan Coker

For months, Mr Abbott has been fighting for his political life in the normally staunch Liberal electorate.

“I would have thought it would have been a bit tighter than this, but it looks like real trouble (for Mr Abbott),” Sky News commentator Peta Credlin said as the numbers started to build.

Voters abandoned the veteran Liberal MP in favour of change — a backlash sparked by a number of simmering issues.

Tony Abbott voting in his Sydney electorate on Saturday morning. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott’s staunch opposition to action on climate change — an issue he infamously dubbed “absolute crap” — has contributed largely to a collapse in support.

When he was PM, he dismantled emissions reduction efforts and turned the focus from renewables to resources.

In contrast, Ms Steggall, a former Olympian and a barrister, has pledged to support climate change action.

FEDERAL

2019

NSW marginal seats

Warringah

Zali Steggall in Manly tonight as vote counting began. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty

Zali Steggall and her father Jack outside a pre-poll centre at Manly on Thursday. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott was also the architect of the controversial same-sex marriage postal plebiscite and campaigned strongly for the ‘No’ side.

Despite Warringah voting overwhelmingly in favour of change, Mr Abbott abstained from the vote in parliament to make marriage equality law.

Ironically, the surge in youth voter registrations leading up to the plebiscite has also had an impact on his electoral fortunes.

And his destabilising role in Malcolm Turnbull’s government, as well as his role in Peter Dutton’s failed leadership challenge last year, also left a bad taste in voters’ mouths.

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Former Prime Minister John Howard supported Tony Abbott on the campaign trail. Picture: AAP

The local campaign has been marred by dirty politicking on all sides, with a Liberal Party volunteer stabbed in the stomach with a corkscrew yesterday.

“I think we’ve seen a lot of low blows. And last night, we saw a most unfortunate incident where one of my campaign volunteers was attacked and stabbed,” Mr Abbott said.

“Now, luckily, he wasn’t seriously hurt. He’s back at his post today.”

There is no suggestion the alleged attacker was a member of any campaign.

The race between Zali Steggall and Tony Abbott has been one of the closely watched in this election. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Steggall has been targeted by the right-wing activist group Advance Australia, whose mascot gyrated suggestively against an image of her face.

Posters supporting both candidates have been defaced or removed, while graffiti of Mr Abbott face and the word “c***” also appeared across the electorate, sparking a police investigation.