New South Wales Liberal Party candidate Fiona Kotvojs has finally conceded defeat in the Bega state by-election more than a week after Labor declared victory.
Dr Kotvojs refused to concede defeat on election night despite a significant swing towards Labor candidate Dr Michael Holland.
She said it was now clear Dr Holland had won and congratulated him on the victory.
"I would really like to wish him and his family all the best."
The state seat of Bega was one of four by-elections that took place on February 12 alongside Monaro, Strathfield, and Willoughby.
It was a long-held safe Liberals seat with a 6.9 per cent margin prior to the by-election.
However, both sides of politics have acknowledged that key issues in the electorate, like health, played a role in the swing towards Labor.
The count of postal votes began on Saturday which continued to show strong support for Dr Holland, with an 11.7 per cent swing currently held against the Liberals.
"The announcement of the final results is always made by the Electoral Commission and I think that's scheduled for March 11."
Postal votes can be returned until February 25.
'Life goes on'
It is not the first political defeat for Dr Kotvojs.
She also ran unsuccessfully in the federal seat of Eden-Monaro for the Liberals in the 2019 election and the 2020 by-election.
However, for now, politics is off the table for Dr Kotvojs.
Dr Kotvojs plans to turn her focus to other passions including her beef and truffle farming, and local business ventures.
"I have a very busy life. There are lots of things to do," she said.
