An 11th hour request for a recount in one of Australia's most marginal federal seats has been lodged hours before the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) was due to formally announce the winner.
With all the ballots counted, Gilmore's incumbent Labor MP Fiona Phillips was ahead by 373 votes, but Liberal candidate Andrew Constance said he lodged the request after questions were raised by his team.
"As counting progressed over the last couple of weeks, my scrutineers have raised concerns in relation to certain aspects of the process, particularly the scrutiny of informal votes," Mr Constance said.
"Given the close result I believe there are strong grounds for a recount and I have submitted a request to the Australian Electoral Commissioner."
The AEC said it was considering the request.
"Since setting the timing for the official declaration of the poll for Gilmore we have received a formal request for a recount," it said in a statement.
"In order to appropriately consider the request we have deferred today’s scheduled declaration.
Ms Phillips claimed victory last month, with Labor claiming the seat as its 77th in parliament.
The ABC also projects a win for Ms Phillips, despite a 2.44 per cent swing against her.
She went into the election holding the seat by 2.6 per cent.
Ms Phillips has declined to comment on Mr Constance's request for a recount.
Editor's note 14/06/2022: This story has been amended to more accurately reflect the number of votes Ms Phillips is leading by.
