SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ELECTION 2010

ASHFORD Labor 15.3%
Region: Western Suburbs Federal divisions: Hindmarsh/Adelaide/Boothby
	ROBYN MUNRO Family First JENNIFER BONHAM Greens STEPH KEY Labor (top) PENNY PRATT Liberal (bottom)
Electoral District Boundaries Commission map

Ashford is located immediately south-west of the city centre, from Keswick out to Plympton. Known as Hanson until the 2002 election, it was traditionally a Liberal seat until electoral law changes in 1991 compelled a reorientation in Labor's favour in pursuit of the elusive quality of “electoral fairness”. This prompted sitting Liberal member Heini Becker to jump ship to Peake (now West Torrens), but the party's candidate Stewart Leggett still managed to win the redrawn seat as the tide went out on Labor at the 1993 election. Defeated Labor member John Trainer ran as an independent at the 1997 election, at which Stephanie Key recovered the seat for Labor with a 7.5 per cent swing. After consolidating with a 1.3 per cent swing in 2002, Key was awarded a position in cabinet as Minister for Social Justice, Housing, Youth and the Status of Women. In March 2004 she exchanged social justice and housing for employment, training and further education. Ashford went from marginal to safe at the 2006 election when Key picked up a two-party swing of 12.3 per cent, a result bettered by Labor only in Bright and Playford. Key was rewarded for her strong electoral performance by being dumped from cabinet, with her Left faction preferring to elevate newcomers Jennifer Rankine, Gail Gago and Paul Caica.

PREDICTION: Labor retain