Since then, Labor has usually run dead in Willoughby, and on some occasions has been pushed into third place. The only time the Liberal hold on the seat has been seriously threatened since the 1980s came on Collins' retirement in 2003.
Following that point, Labor has consistently placed last in Willoughby, and at times has even finished third.  The only instance where the Liberal party's hold on the seat has been threatened since the 1980s was during Collins' retirement in 2003.