Liberal insiders say the party’s bid to retain the Sydney seat of Bradfield – which fell short by just 26 votes – at last month’s election was harmed by a failure to formally move members into the electorate after a redistribution.

Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian is mulling whether to challenge the outcome in the court of disputed returns and ask for a fresh election, after a full recount last week delivered the seat to teal independent Nicolette Boele.