Labor set to return to power in McEwen

By Jessica Micallef

Rob Mitchell looks likely to be re-elected in the seat of McEwen following today’s national election.

Mr Mitchell held the seat by six per cent prior to today.

With more than 20 cent of first preference votes counted as of 7.50pm, Mr Mitchelll has polled 7309 votes ahead of Liberals candidate Phillip Fusco (5938) and the Greens’ Neil Barker (1673).

The McEwen electorate includes Sunbury, Gisborne, Romsey, Riddells Creek, Lancefield, Macedon, Mount Macedon, Wallan, Kilmore, Whittlesea, Doreen, Hurstbridge and parts of Mernda.

Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters

Meanwhile, Bendigo remains a Labor seat after Lisa Chesters was re-elected.

Ms Chesters held the seat by 3.9 per cent prior to the election. With 30 per cent of first preference counted as of 8pm, Ms Chesters had polled 8005 votes ahead of Liberals’ Sam Gayed (4932), the Greens’ Robert Holian (4156 ) and United Australia Party’s Adam Veitch (1379).

The Bendigo electorate takes in Woodend, Kyneton, Heathcote, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Newstead, Harcourt and parts of Elmore.