NSW election: Labor’s Peree Watson not conceding Upper Hunter as Dave Layzell claims victory

Nationals MP Dave Layzell believes he now has enough votes to hold off Labor’s Peree Watson and claim another term in the seat of Upper Hunter. But Labor doesn’t agree and will not concede.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell arrives at Singleton Showground for his election function on March 25, 2023. Picture: Dan Proudman

Nationals MP Dave Layzell has formally declared victory in the tight fight for the Upper Hunter, but not before Labor’s Peree Watson refused to concede and stated she remained positive about overtaking the incumbent with claims she had gained hundreds of votes.

Confusion reigned across the Upper Hunter on Tuesday night as Mr Layzell, the sitting member, had patiently waited several days for a few thousand pre-poll votes to come in from a crucial Singleton booth before declaring late on Tuesday that he had enough votes to hold onto the seat.

But Ms Watson would not concede, telling The Newcastle News that she was “aware” of the fresh numbers and believed she was now less than 400 votes behind after gaining 550 on Mr Layzell on Tuesday.

“I am aware of all the numbers, my scrutineers are amazing, we are only 381 [votes] behind, a 550 gain from this morning,” Ms Watson said.

“I am looking forward to the Muswellbrook pre-poll tomorrow. Actually, right now I’m one of the state’s closest seats, always positive here.”

Labor candidate for Upper Hunter Peree Watson says she has picked up ground of Nationals MP Dave Layzell.

But Mr Layzell challenged Ms Watson’s numbers, stating his team was now comfortable that he had enough to take office several days after some political pundits had already called him the winner.

“Based on the numbers counted to date (from scrutineers in the counting centre) I am now in a position to declare that I will continue on as MP for the Upper Hunter,” Mr Layzell said on social media.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell believes he now has enough votes to win the election. Picture: Dan Proudman.

“A big thanks to all the voters who have placed their faith in me. It’s a great honour and privilege to represent the wide and diverse electorate of the Upper Hunter.

“We had a small but effective campaign team. A huge thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time to assist in the campaign. I truly couldn’t have done it without you.”

The Australian Electoral Commission website had also not uploaded the fresh figures on Tuesday, which are believed to have been counted and scrutineered late into the night.