Black by-election

In a stunning upset, Labor's Alex Dighton has triumphed in the Black by-election, dealing a crushing blow to the Liberal Party and cementing Premier Peter Malinauskas's status as a rising star in Australian politics.
The by-election, triggered by the resignation of former Liberal leader David Speirs, was seen as a crucial test for both major parties. The Liberals, hoping to regain momentum after a series of recent setbacks, poured significant resources into the campaign. But Labor, buoyed by Malinauskas's popularity and a surge of support for the party across the state, proved an unstoppable force.
Dighton, a former union official and political newcomer, ran a spirited campaign that resonated with voters. He pledged to deliver more jobs, better schools, and improved health services to the people of Black. His victory speech was a rousing call to action, promising to "fight for the people of this electorate and to make sure that their voices are heard."
The Liberal candidate, former Adelaide City Councilor Anne Ruston, fought valiantly but was ultimately unable to overcome the Labor wave. Ruston conceded defeat shortly after the polls closed, acknowledging that "the people have spoken."
The by-election result is a major setback for the Liberal Party, which has now lost three consecutive by-elections in South Australia. The party's leadership is under increasing pressure to find a way to turn things around before the next state election, due in 2026.
For Labor, the victory is a sweet one. It gives the party a clear majority in the South Australian Parliament and strengthens Malinauskas's position as one of the most promising young leaders in the country. The Premier was quick to thank the people of Black for their support, saying that "this win is not just about me, it's about the future of South Australia."
The Black by-election will go down in history as a watershed moment in South Australian politics. It marks the end of the Liberal Party's long dominance in the state and the beginning of a new era, with Labor firmly in the driver's seat.