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THE Labor Party has recorded the upset of the election in the Hunter, claiming victory in the previously safe Liberal seat of Port Stephens.
With about 46 per cent of the vote counted on Saturday night, Labor insiders were claiming victory for Kate Washington in Port Stephens with a predicted swing of about 19 per cent.
A jubilant Ms Washington said the result was "overwhelmingly" better than she anticipated.
"It is beyond all our expectations. It's what we hoped for, but still, it is overwhelming."
"I want to be a member the community can be proud of. I will be someone who works hard, and who stays true to the people who put me here."
There's still a lot of counting to do - about 12,000 per poll votes - but with massive swings being recorded across the electorate Ms Washington has claimed victory.
Major booths were recording huge swings. Wirreanda Public School was showing a 25.7 two party preferred swing, Medowie Public School 24 per cent, Anna Bay Public School 18 per cent and Irrawang 26 per cent.
