Liberals head for historic defeat in byelection

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The Liberal Party is heading for a historic defeat in the Dunstan byelection in Adelaide.

9News can reveal there are serious questions about the future of Opposition Leader David Speirs, with Labor's Cressida O'Hanlon set to win the seat.

"We are really excited about the opportunity that we've got before us," she said.

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The Liberal party is heading for a historic defeat in the Dunstan by-election in Adelaide.9News can reveal there are serious questions about the future of opposition leader David Speirs, with Labor's Cressida O'Hanlon set to win the seat.

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Premier Peter Malinauskas is talking up teamwork as the Liberal Party's captain comes under pressure.

Speirs and his team were nowhere to be seen today, but behind the scenes one senior Liberal told 9News the result was a wakeup call.

"The only reason why we're in a position to defy 116 years of history isn't because of  one individual effort – it's because of a genuine team effort," Malinauskas said.

"David Speirs has been doing plenty of media ops in the lead-up to the byelection. I'm sure in due course he will answer some questions."

There are questions now about who is best placed to lead the party.

"There will be quite a few Liberal Party members of parliament choking on their cornflakes over breakfast this morning," Greens co-leader Rob Simms said.

9News asked Vincent Tarzia if he's planning a leadership challenge.

The Member for Hartley refused to confirm or deny.

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He took to social media, telling voters to "respect the result… and move forward".

The results are not final yet.

More than 7000 pre-poll and postal votes will be counted tomorrow.

But as it stands, Labor is firmly ahead on the two party preferred result, securing a 4 per cent swing.

"To have a swing to us at a byelection is probably not something most people anticipated. It's unusual," Malinauskas said.

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That result is propped up by an enormous 8.8 per cent swing to the Greens.

"I am so proud of the campaign that we have run in Dunstan," Greens candidate Katie McCusker said. 

The result will only increase Labor's control in the lower house, taking their majority to 28 seats, leaving the Liberal Party with important questions to answer ahead of the next election.