Gladys Berejiklian re-elected NSW Premier as Coalition returns for third term

Gladys Berejiklian has thanked voters for supporting a child of immigrants "with a long surname" to become the first female popularly elected NSW Premier, while Michael Daley conceded defeat he said he would remain Labor leader.

NSW Liberal Leader Gladys Berejiklian won the 2019 NSW Election. Source: AAP

With just over 50 per cent of the votes counted, Gladys Berejiklian has announced that the Coalition will be returning for a third term, making her the first popularly elected female premier in NSW history.

"First and foremost, I want to thank the people of this great state for having confidence in me and my government," she said to cheers from supporters at the Liberal party election headquarters in Sydney.

"Everybody in this state has the chance to be their best," said Ms Berejiklian, who was born in Sydney to Armenian immigrant parents.

Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison after the results were announced.

AAP

 

"A state in which someone with a long surname - and a woman - can be the Premier of NSW."

Labor leader Michael Daley had announced minutes earlier that he had called the NSW Premier to offer her his congratulations.

"A short time ago I called Premier and congratulated her on her victory. Even though the result is still not finally certain," he said, speaking at the Labor election headquarters in Coogee.

"Whilst of course I'm disappointed in the result tonight, I am so proud of your efforts."

NSW Labor leader Michael Daley concedes defeat in the state election.

 Mr Daley said he intends to remain the leader of the NSW Labor party. 

"It really hasn't been all that great a night for the major parties. And we do have more work to do if we're not going to see a continual erosion of public confidence in the political system," he added.