The Hunter has confirmed its reputation as a Labor heartland, with a resounding win for the ALP in the seats of Newcastle, Hunter and Shortland in the federal election.
However, the sweetest victory came in Paterson , with the party securing 61 per cent of the vote compared to 38 per cent for the Liberals - a swing of 11 per cent to Labor on a two-party preferred basis.
The seat was held for the Liberal Party by Bob Baldwin from 2001 until his retirement from politics in May this year.
Former 2NUR-FM radio host, Meryl Swanson becomes the first female member for Paterson.
Commenting on her landslide landslide victory this morning, Meryl Swanson said she was "shocked about the 11 per cent margin but very pleased, really knowing there's a lot of work to be done out there and I'm looking forward to doing it."
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| Meryl Swanson Photo Courtesy Maitland Mercury |
