Scott Morrison wins the election as Bill Shorten resigns as Labor leader

Scott Morrison described the Coalition’s federal election win as “a miracle” as he celebrated the news that he would be returned to his job as prime minister after leading the LNP to victory.

Morrison’s LNP emerged victorious over Labor, despite the most recent Newspoll released on Saturday suggesting that Labor would secure the win. And, following his party’s defeat, Bill Shorten has since confirmed he will step down as leader of the ALP.

Speaking just after midnight, Morrison delivered a 14-minute speech at the Sofitel Hotel in Sydney.

“I have always believed in miracles and I’m standing with the three biggest miracles in my life tonight and tonight we’ve been delivered another one,” Morrison, who was joined by his wife and two young daughters, said, to cheers from the crowd.

“How good is Australia and how good are Australians? This is the best country in the world, and it’s those Australians that we have been working for for the last five and a half years.”

He also revealed that he had received a phone call from Shorten, conceding the election. Morrison added: “A little while ago Mr Shorten contacted me and I thank him very much and the spirit in which he made that call, and I thank him very much for his kind remarks to me and to Jenny and to our family.

“I would like to wish him and Chloe and his family all the best and God bless him.”

Following news of the result, Shorten confirmed he would step down as party leader, saying: “All of us have a responsibility to respect the result, respect the wishes of the Australian people and to bring our nation together.

“Whilst I intend to continue as the member for Maribyrnong, I will not be a candidate in the next Labor leadership ballot.”

Paying tribute to former Labor PM Bob Hawke, who passed away earlier this week, Shorten added: “I wish we could have done it for Bob, but it was not to be.”

It has now been reported that Anthony Albanese will run for Labor leader, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Both parties suffered losses on election night though, with the most notable for the Coalition being former PM Tony Abbott losing his Warringah seat to independent Zali Steggall. However former Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce retained his New England seat.

Read more: Bill Shorten on track to be next PM as Labor edge ahead in last Newspoll

The result came as a surprise to many people after the latest pre-election Newspoll, published by The Australian on Saturday claimed that Labor had gained a 1.9 per cent swing against the Coalition.

According to the poll Labor was leading the Coalition 51.5 per cent to 48.5 per cent on a two-party-preferred vote basis ahead of the polls opening, despite Morrison remaining the preferred prime minister.

Were you surprised by the election result? Do you think Scott Morrison is a good prime minister?