After two weeks counting, Liberal MP David Bolt secures the Murray-Wellington win

Liberal candidate David Bolt has secured the win in the battle for Murray-Wellington.

Securing another seat for the Liberals in the recent State election, Mr Bolt took to social media to formally announce his victory.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who placed their trust in me for the next four years,” he said.

“I am committed to representing all in our electorate to the best of my ability, regardless of political persuasion.

“Thank you to my hardworking campaign team, supporters and volunteers, whose dedication over the past months, especially during pre-poll and on election day, was crucial to this outcome. Your combined efforts made all the difference.

“I will work hard and remain focused on achieving positive, tangible outcomes for our community and welcome constructive feedback as I strive to stay grounded in the realities of this role.”

He said he felt mixed emotions at the win, having to tender his formal resignation as the Murray shire president — a role he has held for the past seven years.

Mr Bolt thanked his fellow councillors and shire staff.

Shire of Murray chief executive officer Dean Unsworth said Mr Bolt’s energy over his 10 years of service on the council had been unwavering.

“Serving on council for 10 years, David has applied his wealth of business and technology experience to guide council outcomes in a strategic and well-considered manner,” he said.

“He has led council with integrity and transparency, establishing a well-functioning, dynamic and committed council.

“We look forward to working alongside David in his new capacity, and are enthusiastic for an ongoing partnership with open communication and strong trust to continue to build our district for a healthy and prosperous future.”

In the final lines of his post, Mr Bolt thanked his family and friends for their encouragement over the election journey as well as his opposition Labor member, Robyn Clarke.

Mrs Clarke had held the seat of Murray-Wellington since 2017, being both the first woman and Labor member to do so.

Also taking to social media on Thursday, Mrs Clarke said it was with a heavy heart she would no longer be the member for Murray-Wellington.

Despite calling for a recount less than a week prior, Mrs Clarke conceded the election saying it had been an honour to represent the electorate.

“I thank all the community champions that I have worked with and made projects come to life,” she said.

“I’m so proud of being the first woman to represent the seat and all the achievements we have made together as a community is beyond words.

Mrs Clarke thanked her staff for their ongoing support as well as former Mandurah MLA David Templeman, who she said has been her rock and mentor from her first day in office.

“Lastly to my wonderful husband Charlie who has been by my side each step of the way and we will go off into retirement together and finally get some us time,” she said.

“For those who don’t know we will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary next month and eight of those years we have not had much us time — it’s now that time.

“I leave holding my head up high as I know the difference our government and myself have made to so many in Murray-Wellington.”