Warringah, May 18: The former Prime Minister of Australia and senior leader of the Liberals' Party Tony Abbott lost his Warringah seat after Liberal voters abandoned in protest of the leader's stance in opposing climate change action. Abbot lost to the independent candidate and former Olympian Zali Steggall as she won almost 60 per cent of the vote on a two-party-preferred basis.

Abbott delivered a concession speech to supporters on Saturday. “I can’t say it doesn’t hurt to lose. And I decided back then in October last year, that if I had to lose, so be it,” he said, adding, “I’d rather be a loser than a quitter.” Australia Federal Election 2019 Exit Polls Results: Centre-Left Labor Party Set to Win As Per Reports.

"It's the place I will continue to serve. And I look forward to many, many more years living, working and serving in the greatest part of the greatest city of the greatest country on earth," he said. Abbott also thanked his family and supporters and predicted his public life" will go on". Polls Open in Climate-dominated Aussie Election.

The former Prime Minister also congratulated Steggall on her magnificent win. "I hope she will have a long and successful career as the local member that the people of Warringah deserve," he said.

Meanwhile, Steggall was welcomed with applause by her supporters during her victory speech. "Tonight, Warringah has definitely voted for the future. You’ve all shown that when communities want change, they make it happen. This is a win for moderates with a heart. She also praised the 61-year-old leader. “I would like to pay tribute to Tony Abbott, a dedicated and long-serving local member," the former Olympian said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 18, 2019 06:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).