Who is Labor’s Ali France, the woman who unseated Peter Dutton?

She has made history as the first Labor candidate to unseat an Opposition Leader. So who is Ali France?

Ali France has taken the Queensland seat of Dickson, unseating Peter Dutton and decimating the Coalition’s leadership.

It was the incoming MP’s third run at the electorate and a historic feat, being the first time a Labor candidate has unseated an opposition leader.

Ms France saw in her historic victory at the Kallangur Bowls Club alongside a jubilant crowd that included former Queensland Premier Steven Miles.

Through tears, she paid tribute to her late son Henry, whose courage she credited with helping her continue to fight even though it looked like the odds were against her.

Nineteen-year-old Henry died from leukaemia in March last year, months after cancer took his father, Ms France’s ex-husband, Clive.

“I wish you were here,” she said, through tears.

Ali France shared a tearful tribute to her son Henry (pictured left with brother Zac, right) after her historic win on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

She said her late son’s courage had given her strength throughout the campaign. Pic Annette Dew

“He was so insistent that I don’t give up even to care for him. He was looking forward to being a part of this campaign, a part of this celebration and I can tell you Henry you were.

“Every time it felt too hard or too much I thought of you, and your courage and bravery and happiness and positivity to the very end. I carried that courage with me throughout this campaign, and it’s got me here, even though my heart still aches for you thank you for giving me the strength to keep moving forward as you did.”

The Labor candidate unseated Peter Dutton on her third attempt.. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Her campaigns were not without controversy, with Mr Dutton coming under fire for suggesting during the 2021 election she was using her disability as an excuse for not living in the electorate.

A disability advocate, Ms France had her left leg amputated after saving her youngest son Zac from an out-of-control car in 2011.

She later become a para-athlete and disability advocate.

Ali France, pictured with Mick de Brenni during the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association's wheelchair challenge in 2022. Picture: Facebook

Ms France also drew fire earlier this month after it was revealed she had shared a doctored image of Mr Dutton wearing a Nazi uniform, and a similar one of then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, in 2017.

Mr Albanese was forced to staunchly defend his party’s pick to take on his political opponent.

But in his concession speech, Mr Dutton had nothing but praise for the woman who ousted him and said her late son, Henry, “would be incredibly proud of her tonight”.

“She’ll do a good job as a local member for Dickson and I wish her all the very best,” Mr Dutton told supporters.

Outgoing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has praised the woman who ousted him from his seat. Picture: Adam Head / NewsWire

Commenting on the tragedy she has experienced, Ms France said: “Life’s bittersweet”.

“It is a series of highs and lows,” she said.

“I think my son, Henry, he wanted me to do this. He was convinced that I would win this.

“It’s amazing, actually. We discussed it a lot, and I thought I wouldn’t be running because I would be caring for him.

“And he would say to me: ‘No, Mum, you have to do this. I know you’re going to win this time’.

“And I feel he’s been with me on this journey. And although it’s been hard, I’ve just thought about his strength in his journey, and that’s kept me going really.”

Originally published as Who is Labor’s Ali France, the woman who unseated Peter Dutton?