North Sydney by-election swing against Liberals put down to voter backlash on council mergers

NEW Liberal Member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman has spoken about the significant swing against his party, and he put it down to a few different factors.

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THE Liberal party has retained North Sydney but suffered a few battle wounds in the process.

Trent Zimmerman appears set to be only the fourth Liberal candidate since the party’s formation in 1944 to achieve a primary vote below 50 per cent in the seat despite the party running a “vigorous campaign” in the safe seat.

“I think it was a combination of factors,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“I think the fact there were 13 candidates meant that it was a very competitive contest.

“Secondly it is fair to say people don’t like by-elections, they don’t like sitting members retiring and that undoubtedly had an impact.

“There were obviously some local issues that influenced people’s vote as well. I think, for example, in areas like Hunter’s Hill the council amalgamations probably had an impact on the vote. I think Hunter’s Hill is where the anti-amalgamation impact was greatest.”

Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman delivering his victory speech on Saturday night. Picture: Supplied.

With close to 69 per cent of the total vote counted, the Liberal party has suffered a 13.49 swing against.

The two doctors proved to the main thorn in Mr Zimmerman’s side with Independent Dr Stephen Ruff securing 18.84 per cent of the primary vote and Greens Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans 16.11 per cent.

Liberal Democratic Party candidate Sam Kennard only managed to pick up 2 per cent and Fred Nile’s wife, Silvana Nero with the Christian Democratic Party, polled just over 2 per cent.

Mr Zimmerman is well ahead on the two-party preferred vote with 61 per cent of the vote but only 7249 votes have been counted.

While the swing came as a surprise, Mr Zimmerman said he was grateful and humbled by the support of North Sydney residents.

Independent candidate Dr Stephen Ruff.

Greens candidate Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans.

“For me it is getting on with the job of representing residents and honouring some of the key commitments we made which I am really excited about,” he said.

“One of those is the innovation network and getting the process started in terms of community consultation on (HMAS) Platypus down at Neutral Bay.

“We will be working with Willoughby Council on our plans for the upgraded sports facilities at Gore Hill Park and so there will be a lot to do and not much time for a break.”

An all-star cast on the campaign trail failed to offset a major swing against the Liberal Party in the North Sydney by-election.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited the electorate on multiple occasions and Treasurer Scott Morrison threw their support behind Trent Zimmerman, but it was not enough to stop voters sending a clear message.

Liberal Trent Zimmerman said he wants to establish an innovation network in North Sydney to build the electorate tech and IT industry. Picture: Adam Ward.

Mr Zimmerman conceded the council mergers issue contributed to the swing against him.

“I have been opposed to forced amalgamations and I will continue to argue the case on behalf of the community,” he said.

Mr Zimmerman did not believe the absence of former member Joe Hockey from the campaign had any impact.

“I think what people were pleased about was the Prime Minister invested some time in the electorate and came here three times and I was very grateful for that support,” he said.

With postal and absentee votes to come, the final result may take up to two weeks.