Deputy federal Labor leader Richard Marles has played down what impact the result of the NSW Upper Hunter by-election could have on a federal poll due in the coming year.
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While vote counting continues, the National's David Layzell is on track to hold the Upper Hunter state seat after Saturday's election, which could be the death knell for Jodi McKay's Labor leadership as there was a swing again her party.
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Mr Marles says federal Labor will have a good look at the result.
"I wouldn't be rushing to over-react to the result last night," he told Sky News' Sunday Agenda program.
"Ultimately, the incumbent won."
He said this was a state by-election where there were a lot more independents than there would be in a general election, which has spread the primary vote.
But Nationals NSW state leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro believes Saturday's election sets up Prime Minister Scott Morrison to capture seats in the Hunter region.
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"These seats are up for grabs, the whole lot, anything in the Hunter, on the Central Coast, in Newcastle, all that region," he told Sky News.
"I tell you what, ScoMo with his ability, the right candidates, the right policy settings, I think they can strip some seats off the Labor party."
But he offered his Liberal colleagues a word of advice - "Don't disrespect the National party."
"We need to fight for the bush, and there are certain policies that we must stand tall on. You support us, they can win the next election," he said.
Australian Associated Press
