Independent Suzie Holt concedes loss, won’t run again
After years of tireless campaigning, Independent Suzie Holt is parting ways with politics, but not without leaving her mark.
Liberal-National Party MP Garth Hamilton remains the member of Groom for another three years, as his rival independent Suzie Holt confirms she will not take a third tilt at the seat.
Mr Hamilton’s win comes as Groom potentially becomes a marginal seat for the first time since its inception.
Mr Hamilton’s lead appeared to be stretching as the postal vote count began; however, as at Sunday afternoon, the AEC was projecting a two-candidate preferred count of just above 54 per cent.
The Australian Electoral Commission considers a seat marginal when the leading party receives less than 56 per cent of the two-candidate vote
The LNP’s primary vote has dwindled to 40 per cent with 70 per cent of the vote counted – four per cent lower than 2022 and a far cry from the than 60 per cent Mr Hamilton received at the 2020 by-election.
Ms Holt outperformed her primary vote from the 2022 election, with a swing of just under 10 per cent.
Her campaign received a $50,000 backing from political funding body Climate 200 but Ms Holt distanced herself from the teal movement.
Her independent rival, Kirstie Smolenski, had a tough night, taking in under 4 per cent of the primary vote.
Mr Hamilton denied requests for an interview on Sunday, and instead opted for a statement released through social media.
“I want to thank all of my wonderful volunteers, supporters, staff, and friends who have stood beside me as I asked the people of Groom to again elect me as their representative,” Mr Hamilton wrote.
“I want to thank the members of the Liberal Party here in Groom who have asked me to stand up for the values that we believe are essential to Australia’s success.”
In the statement, he added that “the work in front of us is now great”.
“While we must accept the new world we wake up to with humility, we must also find the courage and optimism to see the better days yet to come,” he said.
“Australia needs an opposition to hold the government of the day to account. We must rise to that challenge.”
Ms Holt congratulated Mr Hamilton for his win and thanked her supporters for their dedication during her campaign.
“I’m overwhelmed by the response of the community to my campaign, and so grateful for every volunteer, every voice and every vote.” she said.
“While I was hoping to get over the line, a swing like this is still historic and shows that the community here knows they’re not getting their fair share of focus and funding from Canberra.
“I urge (Mr Hamilton) to sit up and take notice that Groom will not be taken for granted again.”
Ms Holt confirmed she did not plan to run again at the next federal election.
“Twice has been amazing and loved every part with our community,” she said.
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity and I look forward to walking alongside all the changemakers in our community.”
Groom was first drawn up in 1984 and replaced the longstanding Darling Downs seat.
It has been previously held by Ian Macfarlane and John McVeigh.
Mr McVeigh stepped down from his role in 2020, sparking a by-election that Mr Hamilton convincingly won.
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Originally published as Independent Suzie Holt concedes loss, won’t run again
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