Scott Morrison is being told to pack his bags and prepare for a beating in the upcoming federal election following Labor’s surprising win in the Victorian election on Saturday.
Daniel Andrews claimed an overwhelming victory over Liberal’s Matthew Guy in the much anticipated election with predictions Labor could claim as many as 61 seats in the 88 seat parliament – 15 more than it had prior to the election.
It was a disastrous defeat for the Liberal Party with political commentators now claiming Scott Morrison could be in for a defeat at the next federal election.
Nine News reporter Fiona Willan said the prime minister should be concerned and that he has a lot of work to do if he is to take home a win.
“I think it says something not only about the Victorian Liberals but about the Liberal Party brand,” she told Nine News.
“They are really going to have to work hard if they are going to work towards maybe not a victory but less of an embarrassing loss at the general election. I would say there will be some really tense talks over the next two weeks.”
Meanwhile Andrews was all smiles as he spoke to a crowd of supporters following his resounding victory on Saturday night.
The Victorian Premier thanked the people of Victoria for their support and his own team for helping Labor reach a majority.
“The people of Victoria have today overwhelmingly endorsed a positive and optimistic plan for our state,” he said in a conference following the announcement.
“They have, in record numbers, at the same time rejected the low road of fear and devision. And for that I am very, very proud.
“We are the most progressive government in the nation. We are the most progressive state in the nation. We live our values, we keep our promises, and we get things done.”
Labor Party leader Bill Shorten was also thrilled with the outcome, however, he did not make any mention of the impact it would have on the federal election.
“Today’s result is also a fundamental rejection of the Liberals’ cuts to schools, TAFE and hospitals, and their failure to invest in renewables and take action on climate change,” news.com.au reported he said.
However, it was not such a joyous occasion for opposition Guy who was live on television when the news broke.
The politician thanked those who voted for Labor and claimed “tonight is clearly not our night”.
“Thank you for keeping the faith. Every day in opposition is a day closer to government and while tonight is not our night, we know that, we acknowledge that, we accept that,” he said in a press conference.
“Our time in the sun will come again.”