LNP candidate Bob Andersen and Premier Campbell Newman remained upbeat as they addressed the party faithful at Wilston Grange Australian Football Club. The Premier laid the blame for the LNP's defeat firmly at the feet of his former assistant health minister Chris Davis, whose resignation triggered the by-election. Dr Davis resigned after a public falling out with the Newman government over doctors' contracts and changes to electoral donation laws. "Clearly, the attacks on the government by the former member were a factor in this election as well – it did us no favours and did Bob's campaign no favours," Mr Newman said. "But I do absolutely understand there are people unhappy with this government – our government – and I just say this evening we know they're unhappy because we've had to make many unpopular and strong decisions.

"So this evening I say to those people we've heard you, we understand how you feel and I pledge this evening to continue to work hard – in fact, we will redouble our efforts – to improve this state and to take it forward to a bright future." Jubilant Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk told supporters at the Brothers Leagues Club – just a few hundred metres from the LNP function – that while the "Driscoll factor" had won the Redcliffe by-election for Labor, the "Campbell Newman factor" had seen it win Stafford. "This is about Campbell Newman not listening to Stafford," she said. Dr Lynham said he was proud, humble and thankful to be elected to Parliament. "Today, we have sent Campbell Newman a very strong message," he said.

"It's a clear message that our community deserves to be heard, a clear message that it's not OK to cut services and sack workers that we rely on every day." The defeated LNP candidate put on a brave face, despite the massive swing his party had just suffered. "There's no gilding the lily," Mr Andersen said. "We have had a huge swing against us tonight, but nevertheless we should reflect on what we have achieved. "In a very short time, we put together a credible campaign and we've done so fighting against not just the Labor Party, but union third-party campaigns and also the damage that was done to us by the former member."