MERYL Swanson has thanked the voters of Paterson after being re-elected as the electorate’s federal representative for a fourth term.
“I am so honoured to be re-elected to serve our community and build a future made in Australia, starting right here in Paterson,” Ms Swanson posted to social media.
“No one held back, no one left behind.”
As of Monday morning, the Labor MP had taken 56.88 percent of the Two candidate preferred count over Liberal Party candidate Laurence Antcliff (43.12 percent).
Ms Swanson won 37.31 percent of the first preference vote, with Mr Antcliff taking 27.43 percent and Independent challenger Philip Penfold claiming 9.84 percent.
Arnon Wither from One Nation took 7.53 percent, Paul Johns from the Greens claimed 7.39 percent, and all other candidates received less than four percent each.
On election day, Mr Antcliff reflected on his first-time campaign journey.
“What a journey it’s been – eight months of hard work, thousands of conversations, early mornings, late nights, and an incredible team behind me every step of the way,” he posted to social media.
“From letterboxing in the rain, to sign-waving in the sun, to standing up for the projects and policies our community deserves, I’ve given this campaign everything I have, because Paterson means everything to me.”
Independent candidate Philip Penfold congratulated Ms Swanson on her win, and said he believed a “hot contest in Paterson” resulted in “significant promises” being made for the region, including $100m for a flyover at Maitland Station and an Urgent Care Clinic in Maitland.
Mr Penfold will continue to serve as Maitland’s Mayor.
