Labor has claimed the once safe Liberal seat of Sturt in Adelaide’s east for the first time in over 50 years and has also held onto Boothby — leaving the Liberals without a single suburban seat in Adelaide.
Vote counting in both marginal seats showed a swing toward Labor, reflecting broader national patterns.
Sturt, previously the state’s most marginal seat, had been held by Liberal MP James Stevens on a slim 0.5 per cent margin since the 2022 election. On election night, speaking to supporters at the Robin Hood Hotel, Mr Stevens confirmed he had called Labor’s Claire Clutterham to concede defeat.
“About 30 minutes ago, I rang Claire Clutterham to congratulate her on winning Sturt,” he said. “It’s clearly been a disappointing night for the Liberal Party nationally and here at home.”
“I’m deeply disappointed for our team and for our party. We haven’t succeeded locally or nationally. That’s the reality our community has chosen.”
Former Liberal senator Simon Birmingham was more forthright in his critique, describing the result as “rock bottom” for the party.
“This is a devastating outcome for the Liberal Party, and I’m heartbroken to see so many talented, younger candidates lose their seats,” he said. “If this isn’t rock bottom, we’re close to not having a viable party at all.”
Mr Birmingham called on party leaders to reflect and adapt.
“This must be seen as a turning point — a moment to redefine what the Liberal ideology means to today’s voters,” he added. “We’ve lost part of our future tonight. Now we must learn from this and rebuild.”
Labor celebrates historic win in Sturt
The atmosphere at the Labor camp was jubilant. Claire Clutterham — a lawyer and local councillor — celebrated her historic win, declaring it a collective victory.
“For the first time in 53 years, Labor will represent the people of Sturt,” she said. “This is an incredible moment, and I am deeply honoured to serve this community.”
Joined by SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and Labor Senator Marielle Smith, Ms Clutterham praised her supporters and campaign team.
Premier Malinauskas hailed the result as a win for Labor values.
“For the first time in decades, we have someone in Sturt who shares our values,” he said. “It’s an extraordinary moment. Not long ago, the idea that Labor would hold every metro seat in Adelaide was unthinkable. But tonight, we’ve done it.”
Earlier, former Liberal MP Christopher Pyne acknowledged defeat on Channel Nine.
“My read on Sturt is that we won’t win it,” he said. “My successor is saying it’s going to be very, very hard to hold.”
Boothby stays red
In Boothby, where former Liberal MP Nicolle Flint returned to contest the seat, the swing against the Liberals was even stronger.
Ms Flint conceded to Labor’s Louise Miller-Frost, who expressed gratitude to her volunteers and voters.
“It’s been an absolute honour to serve Boothby for the last three years,” she said. “Your hard work and dedication made the difference.”
Flint reflected on the campaign with pride, despite the loss.
“We’ve worked harder in Boothby than ever before,” she said. “It’s disappointing — for us and, I believe, for the Australian people. But as John Howard said, the Australian people never get it wrong. We accept their decision.”
