Independent closes gap in Wollondilly, says it is a “win for Wollondilly”

Independent candidate Judy Hannan says last night’s election result was a “win for Wollondilly” and the NSW Government can no longer ignore the needs of the region.

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Independent candidate Judy Hannan says last night’s election result was a “win for Wollondilly” and the NSW Government can no longer take the seat for granted.

Former MP Jai Rowell had established a 17.3 per cent margin in the Wollondilly electorate but Mrs Hannan closed the gap against Mr Rowell’s replacement Nathaniel Smith.

Wollondilly

Mr Smith has picked up 55.6 per cent of the vote after preferences but suffered an 11.7 per cent swing against the government.

Mrs Hannan has 44.4 per cent of the vote after preferences.

She ran as an independent after being denied the chance to run for Liberal Party preselection; despite being Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s preferred candidate.

Judy Hannan and husband Neil. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

It is among the largest swings against the government in a Liberal-held seat alongside the Manly and North Shore electorates.

She believes the election campaign wielded significant results for the Wollondilly electorate, which stretches from Sydney’s fringe at Picton and Appin, to the Southern Highlands.

“I look forward to seeing all the great new upgrades to our sporting fields and netball courts that have been promised and a great tourism attraction with the reopening of the Picton Loop Line,” she said.

New Wollondilly Liberal MP Nathaniel Smith speaks to voters yesterday. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“They can’t afford to take us for granted any more and I think this election has been a win for Wollondilly.

“I believe that a lot of local influencers got engaged in this campaign, we had 220 volunteers out and about yesterday while the Liberal Party had to bring people from interstate.

“The margin will probably close a bit more than it has by the time counting has finished.”

Mrs Hannan wouldn’t rule out another tilt at the seat in the future.

“You never know what is going to happen,” she said