Bring home gold please : Labor captain s pick faces battle to hold on to Hunter | Labor party theguardian.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theguardian.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The fall in Labor’s vote in the Upper Hunter by-election underscores the collapse of its support in key working class areas, after decades of implementing the dictates of the corporate elite.
Last modified on Sat 22 May 2021 08.18 EDT
The Nationals’ David Layzell has taken an early lead in the Upper Hunter byelection in New South Wales, but it may be days before a winner is declared in the crucial vote.
Both major parties are sweating on the results, which could push the Gladys Berejiklian government further into minority, or increase the pressure on Jodi McKay’s position as Labor leader.
A few hours after voting closed at 6pm on Saturday, Layzell was polling about 30% of first preference votes, with Labor’s Jeff Drayton on about 20%.
Independent Kirsty O’Connell, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers’ Sue Gilroy, and One Nation’s Dale McNamara were all polling around 10%.
Ms McKay did not address leadership concerns on Saturday and said her only interest was getting Labor’s candidate Jeff Drayton elected.
“Our focus for today is for the people of Upper Hunter, they are the most important thing today,” Ms McKay said earlier on Saturday.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who spent much of Saturday campaigning in the seat, maintained a win in the byelection would be a “miracle” for the Coalition.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro in Muswellbrook.
Credit:James Brickwood
“Please know Dave Layzell is needed for strong and stable government in NSW.”
The Nationals have held the seat for 93 years but the once-blue ribbon Coalition seat has now slipped to a margin of just 2.6 per cent.
NBN News | LIVE UPDATES | UPPER HUNTER BY-ELECTION VOTERS HEAD TO THE POLLS nbnnews.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nbnnews.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.