Labor has claimed victory in another key WA seat

Bullwinkel was notionally Labor-held but both sides had privately expected it to fall to the Liberals, given it took in areas directly impacted by the Albanese government’s ban on live sheep exports.

The seat of Bullwinkel was called for Labor candidate Trish Cook late on Friday. Picture: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

Labor has claimed victory in Australia’s newest electorate, adding a cherry on top of its already dominant result.

The seat of Bullwinkel, which runs from Perth’s eastern fringe, through the hills and out to the regional hub of Northam, was called for Labor candidate Trish Cook late on Friday. Liberal candidate Matt Moran has not yet conceded.

The new electorate was seen along with the former blue ribbon seat of Curtin as the Liberals’ best chance of rebuilding its numbers in the west.

Bullwinkel was notionally Labor-held but both sides had privately expected it to fall to the Liberals, given it took in areas directly impacted by the Albanese government’s ban on live sheep exports.

While less than 100 votes separated Ms Cook and Mr Moran for much of the week, the margin blew out on Friday and Ms Cook now leads by more than 600 votes.

In a brief statement, Ms Cook thanked her team for their efforts on her campaign.

“I’m so grateful to be the first ever member for Bullwinkel, I’ve advocated for my patients and my community my whole life and I will continue to advocate for Bullwinkel as your local member,” she said.

Matt Moran, Liberal candidate for Bullwinkel. Picture: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

The loss in Bullwinkel adds further misery to the WA Liberals, who also lost the seat of Moore to Labor and failed in their efforts to reclaim the former stronghold seats of Curtin and Tangney from independent Kate Chaney and Labor MP Sam Lim respectively.

The Liberals also look set to lose their third WA senate seat, further cementing last weekend’s election as the worst ever result in the state.

With Bullwinkel going to Labor, the Liberals have been reduced to just four of 16 lower house seats. Less than a decade ago, the Liberals held 12 of 15 WA seats.

The reversal of fortunes mirrors that which has taken place at a state level, with the party having endured its three worst state results in history over the past three elections.