Federal election Warringah: Zali Steggall holds Warringah against Liberal Katherine Deves

Warringah MP Zali Steggall has fought off the challenge of Liberal Katherine Deves.

Warringah MP Zali Steggall has fought off the challenge of Liberal Katherine Deves.

Ms Deves conceded defeat to the popular independent MP at 9.20pm.

It came after official figures showed that with 83 per cent of the vote counted, Ms Steggall has a two-party preferred vote of close to 61 per cent compared with the Liberal’s 39 per cent.

The current swing towards Ms Steggall is 3.19 per cent.

Liberal Candidate for Warringah, Katherine Deves arrives at her election party at Balgowlah Bowling Club at 7.40pm on Saturday night. Picture: Jeremy Piper

On first preference votes, the Ms Deves had a 6.36 per cent swing against her.

In her concession speech at Balgowlah Bowling Club Ms Deves congratulated Ms Steggall on her win.

She also thanked Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his support but told the reception that she had not been a “political football” — a reference to claims she was picked to run in Warringah by Mr Morrison for her outspoken views on transgender issues.

Liberal Candidate for Warringah, Katherine Deves and former prime minister Tony Abbott during the concession speech. Picture: Jeremy Piper

She also pledged to the crowd of Liberal Party faithful that “you haven’t seen the last of me”.

The candidate also thanked those “who believed I could not withstand the storm, because I have.

“And I mean it when I say to you all, you haven’t seen the last of me.”

Former prime minister and MP for Warringah Tony Abbott was at the function to offer Ms Deves support.

When Ms Deves arrived at the Liberal Party official election night reception at Balgowlah Bowling Club at 7.40pm, she received a warm welcome including a rousing “three cheers” from party supporters and volunteers.

Liberal Candidate for Warringah, Katherine Deves and former prime minister Tony Abbott during the concession speech at her election party at Balgowlah Bowling Club. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Earlier in the day the two lawyers — Zali Steggall and Katherine Deves — battling it out in the former blue ribbon Sydney seat of Warringah were both up early to vote on election day.

Ms Deves, the controversial Liberal candidate who has been under the media and public microscope for much of the campaign over historic social media pots on transgender sports issues, voted at 8.30am.

Liberal candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves with her family and former prime minister Tony Abbott during the concession speech at her election party at Balgowlah Bowling Club. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Ms Deves, with her partner and their three young daughters, were followed into the hall at St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School, near their home on the northern beaches, by a media pack.

Outside the hall, Ms Deves said she was feeling confident of beating Ms Steggall, the popular sitting independent MP, but admitted to having a few nervous tummy flutters overnight Friday.

“I wouldn’t be human if there weren’t a few nerves but I’m very excited that the big day is finally here.

Independent MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall, arrives in her electric bus to vote at Balgowlah North Public School on Saturday morning. Picture: Julian Andrews.

“We’re very hopeful of a good outcome today,” she said.

“I’ve been out on hustings and pre-poll everyday and the feeling is amongst the people is very supportive. There are a lot of people telling me to keep going, to stand strong.

“I think we’re going to give the incumbent a real run for her money today.”

Ms Deves said she was “humbled and honour” by the amount of support she had received locally and “indeed from around Australia”.

Liberal candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves casts her ballot at 8.30am, with two of her daughters watching on, at St Kieran's Catholic School in Manly Vale. Picture Julian Andrews

Independent MP for Warringah Zali Steggall voting at Balgowlah North Public School about 9.30am. Picture Julian Andrews

Over at Balgowlah North Public School, Ms Steggall arrived in her electric-powered campaign bus with its “Next Stop Zali” message at the front.

She too was confident of winning and returning to Canberra and sitting on the crossbenches in what may be a hung parliament.

Liberal candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves leaving St Kieran's Catholic School in Manly Vale after voting. Picture: Julian Andrews

When asked if she thought the other so-called “teal” independents may got across the line, the MP said she had “every finger and toe crossed”.

Ms Steggall said she could argue now that the electorate had “embraced the new style of politics” in Warringah after she convincingly defeated former Liberal MP Tony Abbott in 2019.

Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall said she was keeping “every finger and toe crossed” that more independents make it into parliament at this election. Picture: Julian Andrews

“When we turned Warringah independent in 2019, the talk was that it was all a personality thing and a pushback from the previous member.

“I would argue this electorate has embraced the new style of politics, a more positive, purposeful politics where we look at policies and we look at the future.”

Simon Gruenaug, from Seaforth, was with his mum and dad voting at North Balgowlah Public School on Saturday and was happy to chomp into a “democracy sausage” sandwich. Picture: Julian Andrews

Ms Steggall didn't respond directly to a question about whether Ms Deves transgender views would be a factor but did point out that prime minister Scott Morrison had not visited the seat and the Liberals had not put a single photograph of him any where in Warringah.

“So (he’s) clearly very unpopular.”

Independent MP for Warringah Zali Steggall grabs a roll from the fundraising sausage sizzle for the school band at Balgowlah North Public School. Picture: Julian Andrews

Ms Steggall described the last six weeks of campaigning had been “full on,” she said. “But also excited because it’s that opportunity to be back out there.