Queensland election results show Labor retaining Townsville’s ultra-marginal seats despite big focus from LNP

Labor will likely retain its three marginal Townsville seats with the results surprising some voters, analysts and party insiders.

The seats of Townsville, Mundingburra and Thuringowa were held by Labor on tight margins and were key battlegrounds in this election.

Both party leaders flocked to the north multiple times during the campaign, with Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington casting her vote there early on Saturday morning.

Townsville James Cook University political scientist Maxine Newlands said the areas were expected to be close contests.

“I think people were expecting — and the polling was showing — that it was going to be tight,” Dr Newlands said.

“Possibly a win for LNP in Townsville and Thuringowa, but it hasn’t panned out that…