Liberal candidate for Kooyong Amelia Hamer concedes defeat to teal MP Monique Ryan

Amelia Hamer says it is now clear the Liberals will not win the hotly contested Melbourne seat, conceding defeat to independent MP Monique Ryan.

Liberal candidate for Kooyong Amelia Hamer has formally conceded defeat. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

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Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer has formally conceded defeat to teal MP Monique Ryan in the seat of Kooyong, saying the remaining ballots would not be enough to secure her victory.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Ms Hamer said she had phoned Dr Ryan to congratulate her on her re-election and praised the “beautiful local community” of Kooyong.

“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 said.

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

Ms Hamer called Dr Ryan on Monday to congratulate her on her re-election. Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

The contest in the once blue-ribbon Liberal stronghold has been closely watched following Dr Ryan’s 2022 win over then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

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

“We are so lucky to have a beautiful local community, a fair democracy, and a wonderful country. I hope to play my small part in making it a better place, now and into the future.”

Dr Ryan claimed victory of the seat in an official statement released shortly after Ms Hamer’s announcement.

“Serving as the member for Kooyong has been the privilege of a lifetime. I’m incredibly honoured to continue in this role, and thank the electorate for this opportunity,” she said.

Teal MP Monique Ryan has officially claimed victory in the seat of Kooyong. Picture: David Crosling

The former pediatric neurologist confirmed she had received a call from Ms Hamer on Monday, and “wished her the best for her future endeavours”.

“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,” Dr Ryan 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.”