Sonia Hornery to retire as Wallsend MP

Sonia Hornery has announced she will not contest next year’s state election, ending a 20-year tenure as the Labor Member for Wallsend. Hornery, who was first elected in 2007, was one of only two Hunter Labor MPs to survive the 2011 election wipeout in the region.

Premier Chris Minns praised Hornery as a “fierce local member” who remained dedicated to her constituents. Hornery stated that representing the community has been an “honour and privilege.”

As the Labor Party prepares to select a successor for its safest seat, which currently holds a 31.8 per cent margin, Hornery noted she has been asked to endorse the new candidate. She emphasized that any successor must be prepared to put the Wallsend community first to earn her support. Due to internal affirmative action rules, the next candidate is expected to be a woman.