Eden-Monaro lost as Liberals concede

Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs has conceded defeat in the Eden-Monaro by-election, confirming Labor’s Kristy McBain as a new federal MP.

Eden-Monaro Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs.

Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs has conceded defeat in the Eden-Monaro by-election, confirming Labor’s Kristy McBain as a new federal MP.

Dr Kotvojs on Thursday evening said “with only 1000 to 2000 votes still to count”, she could not win the seat.

The concession came five days after Ms McBain claimed victory at the weekend by-election.

In a statement aimed at constituents hit by bushfires and COVID-19, Dr Kotvojs said 2020 was a year “in which none of us wanted an election”.

“We all have more important things to focus on than politics,” she said.

“The next few years will be tough for all of us. To get through, we must love, care for and respect each other.

“We must support each other, regardless of difference. If we do this, our communities will grow and we will come out of this stronger.”

Ms McBain on Thursday night was ahead of Dr Kotvojs by 50.85 per cent to 49.15 per cent on a two-party-preferred basis.