Zeli Munjiza, the Labor Party candidate for the Liverpool City Council South Ward by-election last Saturday, has claimed victory.
Ms Munjiza is leading the Liberal Party candidate by more than 9,000 first preference votes, and it would take more than a miracle for her to be overtaken.
According to the NSW Electoral Commission, there were 55,045 formal votes cast, with a seven percent informal vote.
Postal and remaining declaration votes will continue to be processed throughout the week, however the scale of the lead confirms a clear outcome.
Indeed the Liberal candidate contacted Ms Munjiza to concede and congratulate her on a successful campaign.
Ms Munjiza thanked voters across South Ward for their strong support, describing the result as a clear message from the community about the standard of local services and the need for a renewed focus on delivering the basics.
She will join a strong Labor team on Council with fellow South Ward councillor Ethan Monaghan, and North Ward councillors Mira Ibrahim and Sam Karnib.
She is expected to attend her first council meeting in May.
“I am so grateful to the people of South Ward who have placed their trust in me,’’ Ms Munjiza said yesterday.
“I am so proud of the campaign the Liverpool Labor team ran. We remained focused on the council services that residents rely on.
“The people of South Ward and Liverpool have sent a clear message. They want Council to cut the grass, repair the roads and clean up the rubbish
“With my new Councillor colleagues Mira Ibrahim, Sam Karnib and Ethan Monaghan, the Liverpool Labor team are strong, united and ready to work for our community.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running and work with the community to deliver real improvements across Liverpool.”