Why by-election swing against government shouldn’t worry Prime Minister Scott Morrison

There was a 4 per cent swing against the government at the Groom by-election. Here’s why they don’t need to worry about that.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

One of Queensland’s leading political commentators says the Groom by-election offered perspective on the knifing of Malcolm Turnbull two years ago.

Queensland University of Technology political analyst, and former state Labor MP, John Mickel said the results highlighted the “shifting sands of politics”.

“Overall the swing against the government in Groom will be about four per cent,” Professor Mickel said.

“Here’s the kicker. It was a three per cent swing against the Coalition at the Longman by-election and that destroyed a Prime Minister.

“This won’t destroy Scott Morrison, it just goes to show that when the knives are out for you they’ll use any excuse.”

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The Longman by-election was held in July 2018 after its sitting Labor MP was found to be in breach of section 44 of the constitution.

She was re-elected with a 3.66 per cent swing towards

The Coalition Government had wanted to win the seat, and less than a month after that result, Malcolm Turnbull was deposed by his party and Scott Morrison became Prime Minister.

Prof Mickel said the by-election swing was not reflective on what would happen at the next Federal Election as circumstances were different.