LIBERAL Party incumbent Wannon MP, Dan Tehan said he was “cautiously optimistic of retaining the seat” yesterday morning while the vote count remained ongoing.

The Australian Electorate Commission (AEC) reported that Wannon was the subject of particular public and media interest as the count continued, with Mr Tehan leading by 9627 first preference votes at the time of print.

Mr Tehan has so far secured 44.69 per cent of first preferences, tallying a total of 38,087 votes but with a swing against the incumbent of -6.40.

However, independent candidate, Alex Dyson, is still a contender, having decimated the stronghold of the ‘blue-ribbon’ seat by doubling the tally from his first campaign in 2019 and claiming 20 per cent of votes and a swing of +10.44 per cent.

While first preferences for all 94 polling booths in the division of Wannon have been counted, the incumbent wasn’t able to get more than 50 per cent, thus triggering a count back of two party preferred (TPP) votes.

For the first time in almost 80 years, the TPP count has not been between the two major parties, Liberal and Labor, with second preference counting suddenly halted on Saturday evening.

The AEC switched from counting preferences for the Labor Party when it became apparent that Alex Dyson may have secured more first preference votes than the Labor Party’s Gilbert Wilson.

A three-candidate preference (3CP) count was then under consideration to determine who was actually coming second, however, this was abandoned on Wednesday morning with the AEC announcing it is proceeding with the TCP.

Despite being able to form a majority government, the Labor Party also suffered a negative swing against them across the nation, and a negative swing of -6.88 per cent in Wannon.

Mr Wilson conceded that there is presently a strong discontent with major parties generally, which was also reflected in Wannon. 

“The count indicates the concern of this electorate with the lack of representation and financial commitment by both parties,” he said.

“Last minute promises with a cash splash by the Liberal Member was a desperate plea for votes, which we will not receive as they did not form government. 

“A safe Liberal seat did not give me any announcements from the Labor Party.

“My budget of $22,000 was way too little compared to the $100,000 from the Climate 200 group to the Independent Alex Dyson and the much higher secretive budget of Dan Tehan.” 

When asked what Mr Wilson would do next in terms of political aspirations, he responded that for now he would continue to support the Portland Branch of the Labor Party and strongly support the future candidates of both Federal and State Elections.

“At the beginning of my campaign I advised the Party that this was to be a once off occasion,” he said. 

“Therefore, I will not be looking for endorsement for any future Government Election.

“I have finished my leave of absence (as Councillor for the Glenelg Shire Council) and will be returning to the Council Table as soon as this (Tuesday) evening.

“The chance to stand for this seat was very rewarding personally (and) even though the votes were down, the overall result was to reduce the margin, which was done.”

First preference postal votes were still being counted as they slowly trickle in from 14,778 envelopes sent out. However, from 11,081 returned so far to the AEC, only around 2000 had been counted as of Wednesday morning.

Postal votes can be received up until Friday, June 3, thus potentially further delaying any result.