With more than 50 per cent of the votes counted, Labor had won 43 seats and the LNP 39, with three to the independents and Katter's Australian Party and the remainder still undecided. Campbell Newman speaks to LNP supporters, flanked by his wife Lisa. Credit:Glenn Hunt Ms Jones ran a largely grassroots campaign, forsaking media attention for door knocking and supermarket walks. Mr Newman conceded the seat at 8.15pm. Later, speaking to the LNP faithful, he told his MPs, especially those who had lost their seats, how proud he was of them and the job they had done.

"I also want to reflect on the MPs that lost their seats tonight in the LNP team." he said. LNP supporters at South Brisbane. Credit:Renee Melides "I just say this, ladies and gentlemen: When the history of this government is written, people should look long and hard at a political team who did the hard yards and didn't bitch and moan. They got on with the job because they knew they were doing the right thing for Queensland. "So to all those who lost their seats, I am sensationally proud of you. I just wish the community knew that you were all men and women of conviction and I wish you the very best in your future career." The Labor Party faithful are jubilant in Richlands. Credit:Kristian Silva

He seemed relaxed and at ease, making special mention of his wife Lisa. "This is the ... lady, the love of my life, and I thank her for supporting me for 13 years in political office," he said. "We are going to go forward together and have a great life together. I want to thank our two daughters who are not here this evening. They are far away. But thanks for their support as well. "Finally, ladies and gentlemen, again, let's hope that we can get a result for Queenslanders soon but, again, to all of you, to so many people who have been terrific over the years, thank you for your support. "Thank you Queensland, it has been an honour, it has been a privilege."

In her speech, Ms Jones said she decided to run again when she saw a Queensland she "didn't want to raise my children in" and concluded with "trust can not be bought". At Richlands, where Labor was holding its party, the mood was much more jovial, despite not even the most rusted on supporters envisioning Labor could be so close to being returned to power three years after being reduced to seven seats. Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, who has been labelled the "accidental Premier" in LNP circles, was still to speak, but that didn't stop the party from becoming more jubilant with every update of the poll count. It seemed at times, more a family affair than a political party, with Ms Palaszczuk's 90-year-old grandmother Beryl Erskine arriving early and declaring herself "very proud". A grassroots kind of thing, true to its working class roots, where party pies are unashamedly the canapes-du-jour and the party faithful swig from stubbies of XXXX Gold.

But it was the results of the night that bound the group. Over at LNP headquarters, party pies were also being passed around, but the group couldn't bring themselves to enjoy them overly much. Tears were shed and toasts were made, but the mood never recovered from the first exit poll showing a 16 per cent swing against the government. Late Saturday night Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss said the message from Queensland was no government was safe.



"Queenslanders have now demonstrated a preparedness for volatility and I don't think any government anywhere can ever, after this result consider themselves to be safe and that is a good message that all governments should learn," he said.



He said he was unsure who would lead the LNP now that it had lost its leader, and much of its backbench, as well as ministers such as Jack Dempsey and David Crisafulli.



"That will be a matter for the elected members of the LNP, fortunately there is a strong depth of talent within the LNP, there are people with substantial experience, and that can be put to good to use, and of course a talented group of young people and new members who came in last time," he said from the winding down LNP party. "True, unfortunately, their numbers have been whittled away, but I am sure, whether in Opposition or Government, the LNP will be an effective team and will be well positioned to challenge at the next election, whenever it may be held."

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