Labor recorded its worst primary-vote result in Corangamite for almost 40 years at this month’s federal election, according to final counting.
Labor candidate Libby Coker lost with 30.75 per cent of the seat’s primary votes, this week’s formal poll declaration revealed.
The Corangamite result contrasted with Labor’s higher national result on primaries of 34.9 per cent.
The Liberals, who held the seat with MP Sarah Henderson, achieved a 46.2 per cent result.
Distribution of preferences lifted Ms Henderson’s result above 53 per cent, indicating she suffered a swing to Labor which was less than the state and federal averages.
Ms Henderson, who benefitted from the Andrews government’s dispute with CFA volunteers, celebrated the final result on Wednesday.
Her opponent achieved Labor’s worst result for primary votes in Corangamite since 1977, she said.
“I am delighted to advise that the Liberal party has won the seat by more than 6000 votes on a two-party preferred vote of 53.14 per cent.
“I thank the people of Corangamite for placing their trust in me and commit to continuing to work hard, serving them with determination, integrity and compassion over the next three years.”
Labor fared better in the seat of Corio, where frontbencher Richard Marles retained his safe seat with an increased margin after achieving 45.6 per cent of the primary vote.
