Nationals to beat Labor in Upper Hunter by-election

The NSW Nationals have held onto a vital seat in today’s by-election, saving the Berejiklian government from plunging into minority.

The NSW Nationals have seemingly secured a crucial seat following the resignation of a disgraced MP.

The seat of Upper Hunter has almost been finalised in what was a critical vote for the Berejiklian government, with Nationals candidate Dave Layzell currently victorious over Labor’s Jeff Drayton.

While the party has held back on declaring a win tonight, the Nationals have a confident 10 per cent lead over Labor in first preference votes, making it extremely difficult for Labor to catch up.

As of 10.30pm, Mr Layzell held a lead of 30.29 per cent to Mr Drayton’s 20.21 per cent.

Ahead of the by-election, Ms Berejiklian said it would take a “miracle” for the government to hold the seat, which was left vacant after the resignation of Nationals MP Michael Johnsen after he was accused of raping a sex worker.

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Nationals candidate for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell was won the seat. John Feder/The Australian.

Upper Hunter, a seat the Nationals has held for 93 years, had 13 candidates contesting it in today’s by-election, which saw the Coalition at risk of slipping down to 46 seats.

The electorate runs inland along the New England Highway from Singleton through Muswellbrook, Scone and Murrurundi to Quirindi. It also includes Dungog, Stroud and Gloucester to the north of Maitland.

It is the heart of coal mining in NSW, with some prime agricultural districts.

This morning, Ms Berejiklian gave a final plea to voters in Muswellbrook to support the Nationals.

Voting for the Upper Hunter by-election closed today at 6pm. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Peter Lorimer.

In her address, she acknowledged the weight of the final count.

“Under the circumstances, we will absolutely be breaking the course of history if we’re successful,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Please know Dave Layzell is needed for strong and stable government in NSW.”

Ms Berejiklian also thanked voters for their patience given they were forced to a by-election after Mr Johnsen quit parliament in March amid the rape allegation against him, which he denies.

Mr Johnsen also allegedly texted the sex worker during question time, offering her $1000 to come to Parliament House.

Former Upper Hunter Nationals MP Michael Johnsen resigned in March. Picture: Supplied

In a scandal-ridden few months for the Liberal party, Drummoyne MP John Sidoti stood down as Sports Minister and quit the party in March while under investigation for corruption.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has also stepped down as Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister having been forced out of cabinet amid accusations of sexual violence. He denies any wrongdoing.

They’re both now sitting on the crossbench, along with Johnsen.