Liberals Gain Prahran, Labor Leads Werribee in Victoria By-elections

The recent byelections in Victoria have seen significant shifts in voter sentiment, with the Liberal Party poised to reclaim the Prahran seat from the Greens and a tight race in Werribee. In Prahran, Liberal candidate Rachel Westaway currently leads with 51.6% of the two-candidate-preferred vote against the Greens' Angelica Di Camillo, benefiting from strong pre-poll and postal voting. Meanwhile, in Werribee, Labor's lead is precarious, with a double-digit swing against them, leaving the outcome too close to call as they hold a narrow lead over the Liberals. The byelections mark a critical test for Labor and the new Liberal leadership, as they gauge their electoral prospects amid rising concerns over cost of living and crime. Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the tight races and emphasized her government's attentiveness to voter concerns. The results reflect changing dynamics in historically stable Labor strongholds and raise questions about the future of both major parties in Victoria.