Australia's Government Vows to See Out Term After Poll Backlash
- Ruling Liberals suffer huge swing against in stronghold seat
- Independent leads as counting of postal votes narrows gap
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Australia’s government said it will see out its full term after suffering a voter backlash in a special election in Sydney on Saturday that looks set to cost the conservatives their one-seat majority in parliament.
Independent candidate Kerryn Phelps is on course to win the seat vacated by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull after he was ousted in a Liberal Party coup in August. However, new premier Scott Morrison saw a glimmer of hope Sunday after Phelps’ lead narrowed to less than 1,000 votes as postal ballots continued to be counted. It could be several days before the final tally is confirmed.