Topic analysis

Stafford byelection tipped to swing towards LNP as danger looms for Steven Miles’ leadership of Queensland Labor

A byelection for the northern Brisbane electorate of Stafford was held on May 16, 2026, following the sudden death of former independent MP Jimmy Sullivan, who was expelled from Queensland Labor in 2025. Political experts predict a swing to the ruling Liberal National Party (LNP); if Labor loses, it would mark the first time in 50 years an opposition state party has lost a byelection to the government, likely ending Steven Miles' leadership of Queensland Labor, while the Greens chose not to preference major parties and One Nation did not field a candidate due to the short four-week campaign.