Former mayor Kim McAliney has officially secured the final spot on Wyndham council’s Harrison ward, this time by eight votes.
Ms McAliney was declared the provisional winner of the fourth position on Monday by just one vote ahead of Point Cook resident John Frost, triggering the Victorian Electoral Commission to call for a recount.
The final result saw Ms McAliney finishing on 6197 votes, and Mr Frost on 6189.
Speaking to Star Weekly after the recount, Mr Frost said he would not call for a second recount.
“I’m disappointed, but I accept this decision. They’ve done the checks and balances and I won’t contest it further,” he said.
“I hope all the councillors can work together, and I’ll see you in four years.”
Ms McAliney said the campaign had been an amazing journey, but she was glad that it is finally over.
“I would’ve loved to have worked with John, and I’m sure I’ll work with him in the future,” she said.
“If I was to have lost to anybody, I would’ve loved to have lost to a community-minded person like him.
“Regardless of the outcome, I would’ve always continued to work for the community. It’s interesting, I lost to preferences last time (2012 council elections) and I won on preferences this time.”
Victorian Electoral Commission spokesman Lawson Fletcher said the organisation had complete confidence in the recount process.
Other Harrison ward councillors are Tony Hooper, Aaron An and Intaj Khan.
The official declaration of results will be held at Wyndham council chambers in Werribee at 5.30pm tomorrow night.
