Independent candidate Mark Rodda believes Kevin Anderson will win the seat of Tamworth and has conceded defeat.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NSW electoral commission had counted about 2000 votes across the district but Mr Rodda said he had been around enough elections to know when "a loss was staring him in the face."
Mr Rodda said the city booths might be kinder to him but conceded The Nationals MP would win comfortably and that it was always going to be hard to reverse Mr Anderson's margin.
READ MORE:
He said "Kevin does appeal to many people through the electorate, but I think that's more a personal vote rather than a vote for the Nationals."
"I love this state and this country and whatever people choose then they've got the decision right," he said.
"I thought it was important to offer an independent alternative.
"I didn't have the resources the parties had and as you can see, that's probably reflected in the results."
Before 8pm, there was slightly more than 5000 votes counted and Mr Anderson had 51 per cent of the votes.
Mr Rodda had 17 per cent and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon 16 per cent.