Federal election 2022: Wentworth votes, Dave Sharma concedes to Allegra Spender

Outgoing Liberal MP Dave Sharma has conceded defeat in the seat of Wentworth in a phone call to independent Allegra Spender.

Wentworth independent Allegra Spender has confirmed outgoing Liberal MP Dave Sharma has called her to concede defeat.

The ‘teal’ independent had just finished an interview with the Wentworth Courier at 11am when she got the call from Mr Sharma.

In a statement, Mr Sharma said while there were still 40,000 votes to be counted he expected the current lead would not change markedly.

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Wentworth these past three years as a their federal member of parliament and I wish to thank the people of Wentworth for the opportunity to do some”.

On Sunday, Allegra Spender described the swing towards her in the eastern suburbs electorate as a victory for a community unhappy and disaffected with the outgoing coalition government.

Liberal Dave Sharma has conceded to Independent Allegra Spender. Picture: Steven Saphore

“I feel the electorate found the government wanting and were seeking to have true representation of their values in Canberra,” she said.

“This was an election about climate and that’s a real message for the incoming parliament – that people expect stronger action.”

Allegra Spender’s speech at her election party was met with cheers and rounds of applause. Picture: Clare Sibthorpe

With Labor increasingly like to form a majority government, she said she would unlikely be called on to guarantee confidence and supply for Labor to form government.

But she said she was willing to work with Labor to turn her election campaign pitches into policies during the next term of parliament.

Ms Spender – who was supported by 1200 volunteers during the mammoth campaign – said more seats could be targeted by community or ‘teal’ independents in future elections.

“I think there could be – you’ll have to see what happens in the next three years but I think people are seeking a closer relationship between parliament and the people,” she said.

Mr Sharma said he was proud with what he had achieved in Wentworth.

“Labor is more ambitious on climate reduction by 2030 and other issues important to the community.

“My key focus now is putting the team together for the role, getting to Canberra and being inducted there, and then meeting with the major parties and crossbench to establish those relationships.”

Mr Sharma said in his statement he believed “we have achieved much together in these past three years”.

Allegra Spender had a very high-profile presence throughout her election campaign. Picture: James D. Morgan

“Supporting our local businesses and communities throughout the pandemic,” he said.

“Helping with upgrades to social infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, roads, parks, playgrounds and cycleways. Expanding funding for domestic violence, mental health and homelessness services. Supporting our local clubs and sporting grounds to be stronger.”

“I congratulate the incoming Labor government on their election.”

Before Saturday’s federal election, Mr Sharma had held the high profile seat of Wentworth by a tight margin of 1.3 per cent, after winning the seat from independent Kerryn Phelps in 2019.

Other sitting Liberals to have been overtaken by teal independents include Josh Frydenberg, Tim Wilson, Trent Zimmerman and Jason Falinski.