MELBOURNE, 19 November 2023: Former Dandenong Mayor Eden Foster retaining Dan’s Mulgrave seat, despite a swing against, reinforces Labor’s hold on Victoria. Former Premier Daniel Andrews quit the seat after 20 years. Eden’s win was expected it being a safe Labor seat.
Eden Foster got 13,943 (40.10%) first preference votes, Liberal Courtney Mann got 7,500 (21.57%), Independent Ian Cook got 6,569 (18.89%), Greens Garad Rhonda got 2057 (5.92%), and so on. For full provisional results see – https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/current-elections/mulgrave-district-by-election/mulgrave-district-by-election-results/results-by-district/mulgrave-district-results
After the two party preference vote Eden got 19,509 (56.16%) and Independent Cook secured 15,231 (43.84%). In the 2022 election the Libs were second after Dan. This time they being third, speaks for itself. Though increase in the primary vote this time might give some solace.
The party faithful, campaigners, members and supporters waited a few hours at the Nobel Park RSL, for the expected result. The swing against was known from early messages but it did not deter the true believers. The tired but enthusiastic crowd burst into joy as Premier Jacinta Allan and Eden Foster entered the place and the victory speeches were made. Eden said she was humbled by the victory. The Premier dismissed the swing as expected. Anyway, it is believed, the swing benefited the Greens and the Socialists (3.77%).
Jacinta Allan said, “The people of Mulgrave have again elected a local Labor Member to be their champion in Parliament. Eden Foster is that champion. She’s a local, a Mayor, a mental health expert, and now an MP. I’m so proud to have her on my team, and I can’t wait to see her shine.”
Leader of Opposition John Pesutto said on X (formally Twitter), “The voters of Mulgrave have sent Jacinta Allan a strong message. They are tired of her taxes, waste and mismanagement. Victoria deserves better.”
