Sharma declares victory in Wentworth as new era begins

Dave Sharma has declared victory in Wentworth after a tight battle with independent Kerryn Phelps setting out his plans for the next three years Canberra.

•  Where is the best democracy sausage?

•  Battle for Wentworth: ‘Get over Malcolm’

Dave Sharma has declared victory after yet another tight race with independent Kerryn Phelps at the 2019 federal election.

Mr Sharma, who has 51.6 per cent of the vote at the time of writing, told media he had called Dr Phelps to thank her for her service.

In the same speech, Mr Sharma also paid tribute to former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

“I wanted to acknowledge Malcolm’s contribution to public life in Australia,” he said.

Liberal Candidate Dave Sharma is congratulated by his wife Rachel after he delcares victory in the Federal seat of Wentworth. Picture: John Appleyard

“I respect his decision not to play a part in federal politics or in this campaign.

“At the end of the day I was asking people to put their faith in me, it was my name on the ballot paper.

“The strength of the national campaign certainly helped, voters were focused on national issues.”

His comments come after an emotional Kerryn Phelps fronted the media earlier today to call time on her short stint in politics.

Conceding the election was now unwinnable, Dr Phelps reflected on her accomplishments during her seven months in Canberra.

Member for Wentworth Dr Kerryn Phelps (right) greeted by her daughter Gabi Stricker-Phelps after conceding in the election. Picture: John Appleyard

“I am proud of the work my team and I were able to do in this relatively brief time,” Dr Phelps said.

“Since that bill (medevac) our hospitals have not been overrun and none of the other dire consequences about the compassionate treatment of sick refugees has come to pass.

“If that is what turned voters one way or another that is political capital I am happy to spend.”

Dr Phelps credited the loss in Wentworth in part to potential liberal voters who were fearful of seeing Labor form government and said she had congratulated Mr Sharma on his win.

The former head of the Australian Medical Association, however, did not close the door on returning to public life.

Member for Wentworth, Dr Kerryn Phelps greeted by her wife Jackie Stricker-Phelps after conceding defeat in the Federal election. Dave Sharma has won back the seat for the Liberals. Picture: John Appleyard

“I think it is time for me to spend some time with family and friends, be thankful for the support I had in the community and to think about what the future should hold and how I can best make a contribution to Australian public life,” Dr Phelps said.

“I have always made a contribution to Australian public life in whatever way I could … I will continue to do that but how I will is not clear and I would like to spend time thinking about it.”