Federal Election: Labor’s Chris Gambian and Liberal’s David Coleman in battle for Banks

Update: Sitting Liberal MP David Coleman is clinging to the slimmest of victories tonight in the south-west Sydney seat of Banks.

Banks MP David Coleman

10PM UPDATE

SITTING Liberal MP David Coleman is clinging to the slimmest of victories tonight in the south-west Sydney seat of Banks.

After an early tussle for the lead, Mr Coleman was holding the ALP’s Chris Gambian out by just over 1500 votes.

Banks MP David Coleman.

And while expectations were for a Liberal victory, a spokeswoman for the backbencher last night said the seat was still too close to call.

With just over 75 per cent of votes in from all polling booths, Mr Coleman had nudged ahead of the ALP’s Chris Gambian to hold 51 per cent of the count.

The current MP holds Banks, which takes in areas of St George and Bankstown, on a tiny 2.8 per cent margin.

Opinion polls throughout the election campaign predicted a close contest between the two major candidates.

The pair have clashed over environmental issues plaguing the George’s River, which hugs the electorate, the WestConnex motorway and affordable housing.

Coalition and Labor heavyweights regularly made their presence felt in Banks throughout the marathon campaign with the economy, jobs and education emerging as the major issues for voters.

The traditional Labor stronghold was picked up by the Liberals in 2013 for the first time in its 64 year history with a change in boundaries and demography continuing to weaken Labor’s position in Banks over the last two decades.

9.10PM UPDATE

The Liberal Party’s David Coleman has now edged ahead of Labor’s Chris Gambian in the seat of Banks.

EARLIER TODAY

IN the marginal south west Sydney seat of Banks, very early results showed Labor Party candidate Chris Gambian slightly ahead of sitting Liberal MP David Coleman.

On a two party preferred basis Mr Gambian had 51.2 per cent of the vote to Mr Coleman’s 48.8 per cent with five per cent of the vote counted.

Labor's Local candidate Chris Gambian and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Chloe on a street walk in Hurstville, in Sydney. Picture Kym Smith

The early figures were indicating a four per cent swing against Mr Coleman, the first Liberal to win the seat from the ALP since the electorate was formed.

Mr Coleman holds Banks, which takes in areas of St George and Bankstown, on a slim 2.8 per cent.

Opinion polls throughout the election campaign have predicted a close contest between Mr Coleman and Mr Gambian.

The pair have clashed over environmental issues plaguing the George’s River, which hugs the electorate, the WestConnex motorway and affordable housing.

Bill Shorten and Chris Gambian

Coalition and Labor heavyweights regularly made their presence felt in Banks throughout the marathon campaign with the economy, jobs and education emerging as the major issues for voters.

The traditional Labor stronghold was picked up by the Liberals in 2013 for the first time in its 64 year history with a change in boundaries and demography continuing to weaken Labor’s position in Banks over the last two decades.

It has been a keenly fought campaign between Mr Coleman and Mr Gambian with late opinion polls tipping Liberal would retain the seat.