“I congratulated Steph Cooke on her victory yesterday,” Country Labor candidate Charlie Sheahan said.

“Now we need to see action.

“We need Ms Cooke to cross the floor on any issue that isn’t in the interests of Cootamundra and not just tow the Nationals line. “

“Yesterday was a heavy blow to the Nationals.

“A 20% swing is a rejection of the Nationals failed policy agenda.”

“Cootamundra is now a marginal seat, this happened because thousands of people, for the first time in their lives, chose not to vote National.”

“This result embodies how tough life is for areas affected by forced council amalgamation, it also shows that the electorate is scared of police mergers and increasing electricity prices,” Mr Sheahan, who finished with 41.1 per cent of the vote on a two candidate preferred basis, said.

Mr Shehan conceded defeat to Nationals on Saturday night. 

Mr Shehan said that he would like to work productively with Ms Cooke in his capacity as a councillor on any endeavour that would benefit the electorate of Cootamundra. 

Bad results for the Nationals were pronounced in areas with forced council amalgamations.

The swings against the Nationals included Gundagai High School -43%, Gundagai South -34%, Cootamundra High -25%, and Cootamundra Public -26%

Other Bad results for the Government could be seen in Nangus -46%, Stockinbingal -37%, Tumblong War Memorial -45%, Wallendbeen -40%, Weethalle Public School -25%, Wombat Soldiers Memorial Hall -43%, Young North Public -24%, Woodstock -29%, and Young Pre Poll -19%.

Country Labor had very strong poll results in Gundagai South Public school 88% (2 candidate preferred), Gundagai High 84% (2CP), Jugiong 67% (2CP), Nangus 65.5% (2CP), Cootamundra High School 57% (2CP), and Cootamundra Public School 58% (2CP).

Mr Sheahan thanked everyone who voted and supported him, especially those who voted Country Labor for the first time.

He also thanked the more than 200 people who handed out for him on booths across the electorate.