LNP candidate for Gaven Bianca Stone concedes defeat in Coast seat

TV reporter turned political hopeful Bianca Stone has conceded defeat in the Gold Coast seat of Gaven, phoning Labor’s former minister Meaghan Scanlon after an unsuccessful run for the LNP.

Gaven candidate Bianca Stone during the election campaign. Picture: Tertius Pickard

TV journalist turned political candidate Bianca Stone has conceded defeat in the seat of Gaven.

Ms Stone, in a social media post, revealed she had called to congratulate former housing minister Meaghan Scanlon.

“A short time ago, I contacted Labor’s Meaghan Scanlon to concede defeat in the seat of Gaven and wish her well in representing the community for a third term,” she wrote.

As of Wednesday morning, Ms Scanlon led by 380 votes.

Former housing minister Meaghan Scanlon. Picture: Adam Head

Ms Scanlon would be the 33rd Labor MP to join opposition, scraping through with a 50.7 per cent to 49.3 per cent two-party preferred vote.

Ms Stone said she would take a couple of days off to be with her loved ones before diving into something new.

“Whatever that may be,” she said.

She thanked those who voted for her and said she took “comfort in knowing we were all part of a team that changed the government.”

“To the thousands of people in the Gaven electorate who voted for change by putting their trust in me, thank you. I know some of you voted LNP for the first time, and we won’t let you down,” she said.

Originally published as LNP candidate for Gaven Bianca Stone concedes defeat in Coast seat