THE dumping of Julia Gillard has been met by mixed reactions in her seat of Lalor, as residents not only lose their prime minister but also their local member since 1998.
Ms Gillard, the sitting member for 15 years, won the seat in 2010 with 65 per cent of the primary vote.
Labor has held the seat of Lalor, spanning Melton, Wyndham and part of Hobsons Bay, since 1969.
Werribee resident Craig Berry said Ms Gillard had been a hard-working local member.
“People say you have to be in a swinging seat for things to get done, but things were done here,” he said.
“I’m a Gillard supporter but I understand them putting Kevin Rudd back in again, otherwise they would have lost more seats. It was a pragmatic decision.”
He said the Labor candidate for Lalor would have “big shoes to fill”.
SEE: Julia Gillard’s political life in pictures.
Susan Ingram, of Wyndham Vale, was pleased Ms Gillard was resigning.
“She has played dirty politics. From a personal point of view, dealing with her local office has been difficult.”
The Liberal Party’s Lalor candidate, Nihal Samara, said instability rocking the government had been a major concern among residents, and party in-fighting would continue.
“The issue we have is that Labor are still focused on managing their own jobs and looking after themselves … and continue to ignore the needs of Lalor,” Mr Samara said.
It is not yet known who will replace Ms Gillard as the Labor Party’s candidate for Lalor, but political analysts suggest it will be a woman from the party’s Right.
Melton will become part of the Gorton electorate, including Caroline Springs, at this year’s election.
