Fri. Jul 18th, 2025

The New South Wales Liberal Party has initiated a last-minute legal bid in an attempt to overturn the narrow 26-vote loss in the Bradfield by-election. The by-election, which took place recently, saw the Liberal Party’s candidate, Georgia Steele, narrowly defeated by the independent candidate, Dai Le. The Liberal Party is claiming that there were irregularities in the voting process and is seeking a recount. The party’s lawyers have filed an application with the Court of Disputed Returns, citing concerns over the handling of postal votes and the potential for voter fraud. The Liberal Party is arguing that the margin of victory was so small that even a minor error in the counting process could have affected the outcome. The party’s bid has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that it is a desperate attempt to cling to power. However, the Liberal Party remains adamant that it has a strong case and is determined to see justice served. The Bradfield by-election was widely seen as a test of the Liberal Party’s popularity in the state, and the loss has been viewed as a significant blow to the party’s morale. The by-election was called after the resignation of the former member, Paul Fletcher, who stepped down to pursue other opportunities. The campaign was marked by a high level of engagement from voters, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the major parties. The independent candidate, Dai Le, ran a strong campaign, focusing on local issues and promising to be a strong advocate for the community. The Liberal Party’s candidate, Georgia Steele, also ran a strong campaign, but was ultimately unable to overcome the swing against the party. The outcome of the by-election has significant implications for the balance of power in the state, and the Liberal Party’s bid to overturn the result is being closely watched. The Court of Disputed Returns will now consider the Liberal Party’s application and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a recount. If the court rules in favor of the Liberal Party, it could lead to a fresh election being held in the seat. The Liberal Party’s bid has sparked debate about the integrity of the electoral process and the need for greater transparency and accountability. The party’s opponents have accused it of trying to undermine the democratic process and questioned the motivations behind the bid. As the court considers the application, the people of Bradfield wait with bated breath to see what the outcome will be. The result of the by-election has already had significant implications for the state’s politics, and the Liberal Party’s bid to overturn the result is set to have far-reaching consequences. The Liberal Party’s determination to challenge the result is a testament to the high stakes involved in the by-election and the party’s desire to retain power in the state.

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