BARNABY Joyce has paid tribute to his team and family as he officially claimed the seat of New England.
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The deputy Prime Minister was flanked by wife Natalie, his daughters, and a crowd of supporters at Tamworth's Wests Leagues Club where he described himself as ""humbled" by the efforts of his campaign and support team to get him over the line.
While Independent Candidate Tony Windsor all but conceded just after 9pm, Mr Windsor believes around 30,000 pre polling votes still to be tallied could change the game.
Mr Joyce however appeared confident in claiming the seat on Saturday night.
"We never take anything for granted,"he said.
"From the moment I came home back to the New England and back to the place I was born and the places I loved, I made sure on your behalf and working with you that we've done everything in our power to make New England the strongest possible seat that we could make it.
""No individual ever wins, a team wins."
Mr Joyce also reiterated his support for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and said he was looking forward to a brighter future ahead for the region.
""At this point in time it doesn't look like we need to go to preferences, we're ahead.
""We have a vision for the New England, we had a vision and we put the money on the table to deliver it, this is real delivery," Mr Joyce said.