The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party has finished first after the final count of ballots in the Orange byelection, but due to the closeness of the vote the Nationals have been granted a recount.
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Following the distribution of preferences, the Shooters' Philip Donato finished 55 votes ahead of the Nationals' Scott Barrett. Late on Friday the Nationals were granted a recount on Monday at 8.30am.
In NSW elections, either candidate can request a recount before the declaration of the seat but must set out reasons to the returning officer. The electoral commissioner can also direct a recount.
Orange would be the party's first seat in the lower house of the NSW Parliament. It has two members in the NSW upper house - Robert Borsak and Robert Brown.
Mr Donato has led the count for most of the week but on Thursday night the result was plunged into uncertainty when a misplaced bundle of votes saw the Nationals pull 65 votes ahead. During counting on Friday, Mr Donato regained the lead.
But Nationals state director Nathan Quigley's request that a recount be held was granted.
The Nationals suffered a record 34 per cent swing against it in the byelection, after which Police Minister Troy Grant resigned as NSW Nationals leader.
The Nationals party room elected Skills Minister John Barilaro as leader and Deputy Premier in his place.
Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair was elected deputy after Education Minister Adrian Piccoli did not recontest.
