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Kristy McBain retains Eden-Monaro with swing to Labor, Liberals' Jerry Nockles concedes defeat

Kristy McBain thanks her family and supporters on election night. (ABC South East NSW: Keira Proust)

Labor MP Kristy McBain is set to retain the seat of Eden-Monaro in south-east New South Wales, with a swing in her favour.

As the counting of votes continues, it is evident that what was a 0.8 per cent margin in the key seat has now increased to see Labor win convincingly.  

Ms McBain accepted victory as she thanked her family and supporters in Merimbula on Saturday night.  

"It's not like we started this six weeks ago, we started this 21 months ago," she said. 

"There's been 100,000 kilometres travelled in the car since I was elected.

"The hard work that everyone has put into helping me retain this seat is so much appreciated."

Counting continues

Ms McBain was first elected into the seat in July 2020 following a by-election prompted by the resignation of Labor MP Mike Kelly. 

Ms McBain surrounded by her family and supporters on election night.  (ABC South East NSW: Keira Proust)

Labor previously held the seat by a slim margin of 0.8 per cent, but swings against the Liberal Party and towards Labor will now establish a significant margin.

Ms McBain said although she had won her seat, it was still not known whether Labor would govern with a majority.

"We've taken what was an ultra-marginal seat and hopefully now we've landed in safe-seat territory," she said. 

"Whilst we might not be in for a clear result tonight, I hope over the coming days we see a Labor majority government formed in this country."

Nockles concedes defeat

With the swing towards Labor, Liberal candidate Jerry Nockles conceded defeat on Sunday morning.

In a statement, he congratulated Ms McBain on her victory. 

"The result in Eden-Monaro is clear and I have offered my congratulations and warmest best wishes to Kristy for the term ahead," he said.

Jerry Nockles has congratulated Ms McBain. (Supplied)

"I offer her my support, and as has been my habit over a long period, I will assist her and the people of Eden-Monaro to the best of my ability."

The count for Eden-Monaro has also seen a swing towards One Nation's Boyd Shannon and Greens candidate Vivian Harris. 

New Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's victory speech in full
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