Independent Monique Ryan claims victory over Josh Frydenberg in Kooyong

Teal independent Monique Ryan has claimed victory in the seat of Kooyong after former treasurer Josh Frydenberg formally conceded defeat on Monday afternoon.

During a brief doorstop in Melbourne on Monday, Ryan said she never imagined she would receive a phone call from Frydenberg to formally acknowledge his defeat.

“When I embarked upon this, I knew that it was going to be a very, very difficult seat to win – Kooyong for 122 years has been Liberal,” she said.

“I did know that there was a significant groundswell of community-based disaffection with the Morrison government.

“Did I think that I would realistically be the member for Kooyong? Perhaps not, but that was always the dream of the campaign.”

Frydenberg announced he had conceded on social media on Monday, adding a video in which he thanked the community for its support and said he looked forward to spending more time with his family.

“Today, I contacted Dr Monique Ryan to congratulate her on the election result in Kooyong,” he said.

“It’s been an incredible privilege to have served as the local member for the last 12 years.

“Kooyong is where I grew up and where, with my wife Amie, we are raising our family. Every day I have given the job my all.”

Frydenberg, who had been touted as a strong contender to replace Scott Morrison as Liberal leader, held off on conceding defeat on Saturday night, saying it was “still mathematically possible to win”, as there were thousands of postal votes yet to be counted.

The seat of Kooyong has been held by conservative politicians for 122 years, including former party leaders John Latham, Robert Menzies and Andrew Peacock.

Asked about Frydenberg’s delay in conceding defeat, Ryan said she understood why the former treasurer chose “to consider his options”.

“The result of the election has seemed pretty clear to us since Saturday, but I understand why he might have thought that there was a reason to hold off in case there was a significant change in the postal results,” she said.

Ryan’s political agenda will focus on climate change, the creation of a federal integrity commission, and women’s safety and equality.

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.