Andrew Constance breaks silence after last-ditch political bid

Andrew Constance has issued a public statement after launching a last-ditch attempt to get into federal politics.

Andrew Constance has broken his silence in the wake of his Gilmore loss, saying he was left “disappointed” by a decision not to recount the votes.

Hours before the Australian Electoral Commission was due to declare victory for Labor’s Fiona Philips, the former NSW minister submitted a formal request for the votes to be recounted, citing concerns with the scrutineering process.

Ms Philips finished just 373 votes ahead of the Liberal candidate in the final tally.

But his last ditch effort in his tilt for the seat was knocked back on Wednesday morning, officially handing Labor its 77th seat in the House of Representatives.

Liberal candidate Andrew Constance had requested a recount.

“The AEC has carefully considered and declined a request for a recount in the division of Gilmore,” it said.

“The counting process was undertaken in line with the Electoral Act and there was sufficient checking and rechecking of ballot papers during the scrutiny period (including the fresh scrutiny process).”

In a statement, Mr Constance said he was “disappointed” by the decision.

“The Australian Electoral Commissioner has informed me today that he has considered my request and will not be directing the Divisional Returning Officer to re-count the ballot papers in Gilmore,” he said.

Fiona Phillips finished just 373 votes ahead of Andrew Constance. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Naturally, I am disappointed and will review the Commissioner’s reasons.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank our community, everyone who has offered support, and our many volunteers for everything they have done over the past few months.”

Mr Constance, who resigned from NSW parliament to run for federal politics, had an early lead in the vote count and recorded a 2.4 per cent swing toward him.

But it wasn’t enough to capture the lead from the incumbent.

Speaking with the ABC, Ms Philips noted it had been a tough 24 hours.

“I’m just really keen to be declared the Member for Gilmore and to get on with the job,” she said.

Originally published as Andrew Constance breaks silence after last-ditch political bid