Liberal MP for Goldstein Tim Wilson slams Zoe Daniel for ‘needlessly seeding’ doubt in AEC

Liberal MP Tim Wilson has slammed independent Zoe Daniel for ‘needlessly seeding doubt’ about the AEC by calling for a full recount of the Goldstein vote.

Liberal candidate Tim Wilson celebrates after defeating independent Zoe Daniel in the seat of Goldstein. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

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Liberal candidate Tim Wilson has criticised rival Zoe Daniel for “needlessly seeding doubt” about the integrity of the Australian Electoral Commission, after the teal independent called for a full recount of the Goldstein vote.

Ms Daniel, who trailed Mr Wilson by 260 votes on Saturday, cited a “very tight margin” and “several errors” made during the distribution of preferences, claiming it had led to “unusual fluctuations” in the final stages of the count.

Teal independent Zoe Daniel celebrates what she thought was a victory on election night. Picture: ABC

“I have taken expert advice and asked the AEC to consider whether a full recount is appropriate,” Ms Daniel said in a statement released on Saturday.

“There are also several outstanding questions regarding the broader count which would be resolved by a recount.

“As always, I will respect the process and await the commission’s decision.”

Mr Wilson hit back at Ms Daniel on social media on Sunday for questioning AEC processes, saying one of best things he did after the 2022 election was “get to ‘acceptance’ quickly”.

“I am concerned about the increasing escalation of commentary from the former member for Goldstein that is trending toward bringing the AEC’s count into question and needlessly seeding questions about the AEC’s processes,” Mr Wilson said on X.

The former incumbent MP, defeated by Ms Daniel in 2022, said he had “continually had a majority of votes for nearly three weeks”, stating it had never fallen below 100 votes, which was the threshold for an automatic recount.

“At some point we should respect the professional staff at the (AEC). I wish Zoe Daniel, her family and staff well in the next chapter. I hope she finds peace,” he said.

Tim Wilson thanks a volunteer at a Goldstein polling booth on election day. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Mr Wilson has twice claimed victory, while Ms Daniel also declared victory prematurely on the night of the May 3 election before a surge in postal votes the week after put her Liberal opponent in the lead.

The latest Goldstein development came as the AEC prepares to recount the vote in the leafy northern Sydney seat of Bradfield, which has produced one of the closest federal races in decades.

Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian was leading teal hopeful Nicolette Boele by only eight votes after the full distribution of preferences last week.