Andrew Constance concedes defeat to Fiona Phillips after historic Gilmore election

Former state minister and Liberal candidate Andrew Constance, poised by political pundits to win the nation’s most marginal seat on Saturday, has officially conceded defeat after a Labor landslide – yet again.

Andrew Constance conceded defeat on Monday in Shoalhaven Heads. Picture: Tom McGann

Former state minister and Liberal candidate Andrew Constance, poised by political pundits to win the nation’s most marginal seat on Saturday, has officially conceded defeat after a Labor landslide – yet again.

Two-time Liberal candidate for Gilmore and former state Bega MP, Andrew Constance, conceded defeat to sitting federal Labor MP, Fiona Phillips, on Monday at Shoalhaven Heads, following a Labor domination on Saturday night.

Ms Phillips has held Gilmore since 2022 by just .2 per cent, however, she has now claimed a convincing victory, surpassing Mr Constance by about 10,000 votes and enjoying a 4.9 per cent swing to Labor – with counting still underway as of Monday.

The fiery campaign in the tightly-held seat saw both major party candidates trade barbs, with Ms Phillips later describing the campaign race as far from clean.

Still, Mr Constance was gracious in defeat.

Andrew Constance addressed the media on Monday. Picture: Tom McGann

“I really do want to wish her the best,” he told media on Monday.

“I wish her team well and I congratulate her.”

Gilmore Labor MP Fiona Phillips after giving her victory speech on 2025 Election Day. Picture: Hannah Farrow

But the significant Liberal wipe-out was not lost on Mr Constance – a self-described moderate – who said the party needed to shift to a more centrist stance if it hoped to return to power.

“The Liberal Party is going to have to work hard,” he said.

“You know, it’s going to have to find it’s heart and soul again, because in the past, it has been a fantastic party.”

As of Monday, Labor hold 87 seats to the Liberal’s 39, with electorates Bradfield, Ryan, Goldstein, Kooyong, Menzies, Monash, Wills, and Bullwinkel still too close to call.

Gilmore Liberal candidate Andrew Constance at his 2025 Election Night party. Picture: Tom McGann

Mr Constance – who entered state parliament in 2003 and held multiple NSW ministerial portfolios, including disability, treasurer, and transport – said he now planned to pursue work in the corporate or not-for-profit sectors.

But, he would not rule out a political comeback.

“Josh Frydenberg told me this morning not to answer that question,” Mr Constance laughed.

His concession comes after Ms Phillips declared victory at her Currarong Bowling Club election party on Saturday night.

“We did what some people were calling the impossible,” she told cheering supporters.

“This is a win for everyone and a win for what is right.”

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