Election 2022: Zali Steggall’s time is up, says Katherine Deves

Liberal candidate Katherine Deves remains confident she can knock off independent Zali Steggall in Warringah.

Liberal Katherine Deves, second left, and independent MP Zali Stegall, third left, cross paths in Warringah. Picture: John Feder

Liberal candidate Katherine Deves remains confident she can knock off independent Zali Steggall and claim victory in the seat of Warringah, as the two candidates crossed paths on the final day of the election campaign.

At a polling station in Sydney’s northern beaches, the two candidates stood almost side by side as they spoke to voters and supporters, but refused to acknowledge each other. Both candidates were unapologetic about their ­approaches to the campaign and each accused the other of ­employing “dirty tactics”, “lies” and deliberately misleading ­voters. Ms Steggall holds Warringah with a margin of 7.2 per cent.

The independent said she was confident she would win, but would “keep her head down” until she crossed the finish line.

Ms Deves said a groundswell of support had fallen in behind her after she was joined by former prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott this week.