First-time federal candidate, Anika Wells, secured the seat of Lilley for Labor with a 901 vote lead against Brad Carswell.

Prior to this win, the odds have not been on Labor’s side as they were only able to retain five seats in Queensland.

Retaining the seat of Lilley was their best chance at putting a halt to their dwindling number of Queensland seats. Failure to retain the seat would mean they don’t retain any seats north of the Brisbane River.

With Wells’ narrow victory, the party was able to win six out of the 30 Queensland seats.

The seat of Lilley was held by the former prime minister and treasurer, Wayne Swan since 1988. Prior to that, Swan has also had a term from 1993-1996

Lilley’s 142-square-kilometer electorate spans from the north’s bayside Brighton up to the east’s Brisbane Airport. This follows the south’s Brisbane river.

Anika Wells thanked voters for the support as she waved at drivers during rush hour on Sandgate Road this morning.

The former lawyer’s campaign focused on securing funds for local medical facilities and educational institutions. Aside from that, Wells is also an advocate for taking action against the threats of climate change. Something the locals found

As someone who was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease while she was pregnant, Wells experienced the shortcomings of public healthcare first-hand. The experience prompted her to advocate for a proper healthcare system.

Locals are now waiting for the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to officiate the declaration of Labor’s victory.

Despite Brad Carswell’s loss in Lilley, LNP has managed to retain the marginal seats of Petrie and Dickson.