Michael Regan rides wave ousting Liberals in NSW
After a 39-year Liberal hold on Wakehurst, Northern Beaches Council mayor Michael Regan will become the seat’s first ever independent.
Mr Regan defied a 21.9 per cent margin to win the seat, vacated by retired Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
“It’s just hard to put into words,” Mr Regan said. “It’s very humbling. I just want to get on with it and do the job the people elected me to do.”
At the time of writing, the ability of Labor to govern in its own right remained unclear, which could mean independents like Mr Regan play a larger role in parliament. Mr Regan said he had already spoken to Premier-elect Chris Minns, who said he was ‘looking forward’ to working with him. “I think it’s a very positive and healthy relationship going forward. And we might actually see things getting done that may otherwise have been left behind or ignored as they have been previously.”
Top of Mr Regan’s list once he takes office on Macquarie Street is the controversial Lizard Rock development at Belrose, which he has strongly opposed while at council. In addition, ‘fixing the bus chaos’ and addressing cost of living pressures.
While Mr Regan will resign as mayor once polls are declared, he will serve out his time on council, saying feedback from many councillors was they valued his experience. His forthcoming resignation opens up the race for council’s top job, with former deputy mayor Candy Bingham and current deputy Sue Heins seen to be the main contenders.
In other election results, the Liberal’s James Griffin has been returned in Manly, with a seven per cent swing against him. Liberal Matt Cross has taken over from Davidson MP Jonathan O’Dea, with a 10.3 per cent swing towards Labor. In Pittwater, the Liberal’s Rory Amon narrowly beat ‘teal’ independent Jacqui Scruby, with an almost 22 per cent swing away from the Liberals in their previously safe seat.
All figures were correct at the time of writing, with votes still being counted.