One Nation claims historic Western Australia lower house seat

One Nation is claiming victory in the Secret Harbour by-election, a result that, if finalized, would grant the party its first-ever seat in Western Australia's lower house. The party's state leader, Rod Caddies, declared victory for candidate Luke Herdegen on Saturday night, though the Labor party had not yet formally conceded.

Counting indicates Herdegen is on track to win the seat, which has historically been a safe Labor electorate. The incumbent, Paul Papalia, had held the seat for Labor. This by-election was seen as a critical test for the ruling Labor government, with Premier Roger Cook describing it as a "fight for our lives."

The potential swing to One Nation in this Labor heartland will be closely scrutinized nationwide. Analysts will examine the result for insights into the party's current support levels and to understand strategies that could be employed against it in future elections. The outcome suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment within the traditionally Labor-voting area.