Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer concedes defeat in Kooyong

Teal independent Monique Ryan has held onto the seat of Kooyong, after Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer conceded defeat on Monday.

Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer has conceded defeat in the prized blue ribbon seat of Kooyong.

Ms Hamer was 885 votes behind Dr Monique Ryan on Monday afternoon, making a comeback out of reach.

In a statement, the 31-year-old said she had phoned Dr Ryan to congratulate her on her re-election.

Amelia Hamer says it was an honour to stand as the Liberal candidate in Kooyong. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Teal candidate Dr Monique Ryan has been re-elected for a second term as the member for Kooyong. Picture: David Crosling

“Whilst counting continues, it is now clear that the remaining ballots will not deliver us the majority we need to win the seat,” Ms Hamer wrote on social media.

“Standing as the Liberal candidate for Kooyong has been an honour.

“To the more than 54,811 Kooyong locals who voted for me, thank you for your confidence and trust in me as a potential representative.

“Liberal values – like individual freedom, equality of opportunity, and free enterprise – are timeless. They are worth fighting for.

“I hope to play my small part in making it a better place, now and into the future.”

Dr Ryan said she looked forward to working with the Kooyong community to achieve positive and lasting change over the next three years.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to hold the government to account on the economy, climate, health, and the other critical issues for my community,” the Teal MP said.

“It’s a crucial time for Australia – we’re facing a cost-of-living crisis, housing shortages, increasing intergenerational inequity, and our response to the global challenge of climate change has been too slow and too incremental.

“With the Albanese government holding an increased majority, it’s time for it to show the courage we need – and respect the mandate given to it by the Australian public – by taking real action on these issues.”

Dr Ryan said she thanked Ms Hamer for the call and wished her the best for her future endeavours.