Results in two South Australian state by-elections show Labor is likely to hold on to the seats of Port Adelaide and Ramsay, but with a reduced vote.
Premier Jay Weatherill said that while he was pleased with the results, the swing in Port Adelaide has delivered a message to his government.
The premier said the race was always going to be tight and Labor fought for every vote, but the government must now work hard to gain the confidence of working people in the state, News Limited reported.
Some booths reported a swing of almost 20 per cent against Labor.
With about 70 per cent of votes counted, Labor candidate for Port Adelaide, Susan Close, has 43 per cent of the vote, well ahead of her nearest rival independent Gary Johanson, with 24 per cent.
Former South Australia Premier Mike Rann’s seat in Ramsay, Labor’s safest in the state, is going to Labor’s Zoe Bettison, who has 54 per cent.
Her nearest rival is independent Mark Aldridge with 16 per cent.
Voters are choosing replacements for Mr Rann and his long-time former deputy Kevin Foley.
Final results are likely to be announced later on Sunday.
.
Views: 0