Stafford Byelection: One Nation's Uphill Battle

0:00Queensons got a snap by election brewing in the labor stronghold of Stafford, up in Inter-North Brisbane. It kicks off May 16th, just a week after independent MP Jimmy Sullivan passed away. LNP premiered David Chris Affulley dropped the news fast, catching everyone off guard and setting up a quick test of the political waters. Laborers expected to hold on with their likely candidate, right-faction pick, Luke Richmond. The LNP's eyeing former Brisbane City Councilor Fiona Hammond, who nearly swung seven percent their way last year. Meanwhile, one nation's watching clothes they pulled just 3.2 percent in Stafford at the 2024 election, but Polsters see them, hitting mid-to-high teens this time. Polsters like Costa Maras from Redbridge say, one nation's now Queensland's biggest party by their numbers, riding Pauline Hanson's Federal Buzz. The Stafford's full of uni-educated young pros and public servants, plus a strong 18 percent Greens vote from last time. So one nation faces an aim, uphill battle against those progressive vibes.

1:03Strategist figure labor's base stays solid, while one nation might nick votes from the LNP more than anyone. Opposition leader Stephen Miles is brushing off the pressure, vowing to campaign hard without committing on his job if they lose. Clara LNP councillor DeNita Perry was in the mix too, but new laws mean she'd have to quit council. This one's a real gauge for preference flows and urban seats, especially with bi-elections averaging 5.9 percent swings against incumbents. Since 1996, keep eyes peeled, could hit at bigger shifts when Hanson fever hit state level. From your city, powered by AI, this is Sydney News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.