National wins Selwyn; Labor is closest in nearly three decades

The Labor Party came closer to Selwyn’s historically blue seat in this election than in 27 years.

Nicola Grigg of National won the seat with 18,578 votes, Reuben Davidson of Labor lagged 4,943 votes out of 13,653.

It’s the closest Labor has come to winning the electorate since the 1993 election, when Ron Mark lost the seat to National’s Ruth Richardson by just 888 votes.

Selwyn’s electorate incorporates the district itself, parts of Rakaia and Chertsey.

Davidson posted on his Facebook page about the election results.

“An amazing night for Labor in Selwyn and throughout New Zealand. Thank you to everyone who helped our campaign and thank you to everyone who voted for Labor.

“A big thank you to the Selwyn team who allowed me to be their candidate and worked so hard to get a record result in the electorate,” he said.

Grigg will replace Amy Adams, who retired from politics in the elections, held the position since 2008.

Results of past elections in Selwyn:

Election 2017

• Amy Adams (National): 28,686
• Tony Condon (Labor) – 9047
• Chrys Horn (green) – 2772

2014 elections

• Amy Adams (National): 24,625
• Peter Selwyn Hill (green) – 4064
• Gordon John Dickson (Labor) – 3835

Elections 2011

• Amy Adams (National): 24,963
• Jo McLean (Labor) – 5512
• Eugenie Sage (green) – 3674

2008 elections

• Amy Adams (National): 21,836
• David Coates (Labor) 10,761
• Philippa Main (progressive) 1316