It’s State Election night in New South Wales. Join our team across Penrith and Parramatta for all the key developments throughout the night…
Weekender Newsroom
This post has been published by the team in our newsroom.
That's it from us here the Weekender.
To recap, Labor has won government tonight with Chris Minns to be sworn in as the 47th Premier of New South Wales.
Dominic Perrottet has stood down as the NSW Liberal Leader.
Stuart Ayres has likely lost Penrith to Karen McKeown, but there's no official concession yet.
Prue Car has retained Londonderry, Tanya Davies has won Badgerys Creek and Donna Davis has won Parramatta.
We will have more coverage throughout the week.
Final words from Stuart Ayres:
“Obviously if I’m still a member of parliament my first priority has always been Penrith and that won’t change,” Ayres said.
“Karen has run a really good campaign as well and they are rightly probably sitting in a room somewhere around Penrith thinking they have this one in the bag and I don’t want to crash on that parade unnecessarily, but we are not quite there yet but they have every reason to be confident going into the next few days.”
Chris Minns –
“We've been elected by the people of this state and we will govern for everyone in NSW. We know that the challenges are huge, we know the responsibilities are awesome, but NSW Labor is back and ready to govern in this great state.”
Minns thanks his family, including wife Anna, for thier support.
Stuart Ayres chatting with Weekender journalist Emily Feszczuk
Minns thanks Dominic Perrotter for his service to NSW.
Chris Minns says people voted for our nurses, our teachers, our paramedics, our police.
Minns also acknowledges the civility of the campaign – says it might not always be the case, but this campaign proved campaigns can be run in a civil way.
Wild scenes at Penrith RSL as Chris Minns appears on screen, addressing the party faithful.
Chris Minns –
“After 12 years in opposition, the people of New South Wales have voted for a fresh start.”
Minns is struggling to make his way through the crowd, tough to get to the stage – he's finally got there.
Chris Minns and Prue Car share a hug, as Minns prepares to speak to the Labor faithful.
Anthony Albanese has taken to the stage and is introducing Chris Minns.
Dominic Perrottet has concluded his speech – we now wait for Chris Minns.
Dominic Perrottet says he takes full responsibility for the loss this evening and will stand down as leader.
Dominic Perrottet delivers special mention of Stuart Ayres.
“Stuart can hold his head very high. He has served his community of Penrith very well and he has served our state with distinction.”
Dominic Perrottet praises former Premiers Barry O'Farrell, Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian.
Stuart Ayres watches on as Premier Dominic Perrottet delivers his concession speech.
Perrottet delivers almost unprecedented praise for Chris Minns – asks the entire State to get behind him.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet –
“We have made history. We have been in government for the longest time since our party was formed.
“We have kept NSW strong, free and fair.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet –
“A short while ago I called Chris Minns to congratulate him and the Labor Party on their election victory.”
Here's a shot of Stuart Ayres and Marise Payne arriving at the Liberal function earlier.
Former Prime Minister John Howard has arrived at the Liberal function, where Dominic Perrottet will soon address the party faithful.
Liberal MP Stuart Ayres tells Sky News the party needs to have a “hard look” at what happened during the campaign.
Penrith MP Stuart Ayres –
“The Electoral Commission has told us the two largest pre-poll booths are not going to be counted so there is about 11,000 votes in those two pre-polls that won’t be counted tonight,” he said.
“We know that there is already about 3,000 postal votes coming though. I don’t want to sugar coat this, it is a narrow path but I do think we need to let the Electoral Commission do its work over the coming days but can I say a very big thank-you to all of you.
“This has been a remarkable fight here in Penrith, I could not be prouder of this Liberal team that is before me.
“We’ve seen across the state that it is a pretty ugly night for the Liberal Party but here in Penrith we are still fighting. This is one of the closest results across the state and that’s because of you, the hard work and dedication you have all put in.”
Garion Thain has spoken to Tanya Davies, to officially concede defeat in Badgerys Creek.
Dominic Perrottet will speak first, as you would expect, probably in the next 20 minutes or so.
We expect Chris Minns to speak soon after.
Stuart Ayres is currently going around the room at the Liberal function thanking volunteers and supporters.
Just confirming tonight – Labor is expected to win Penrith and Londonderry, Liberals will hold Badgerys Creek (formerly Mulgoa).
Parramatta has fallen to Labor.
Labor will form government.
Dominic Perrottet is expected to address the Liberal faithful in the next few minutes.