Nicolette Boele Wins Bradfield After Historic Recount

Independent 'teal' candidate Nicolette Boele has narrowly won the historically Liberal-held seat of Bradfield in Sydney, defeating Liberal Gisele Kapterian by just 26–27 votes after a full recount overturned Kapterian's initial eight-vote lead. Boele, backed by Climate 200, claimed victory in one of the closest federal election results in Australian history, although the Australian Electoral Commission's official announcement is still pending. The Liberal Party has indicated it may challenge the result in the Court of Disputed Returns. This marks the first time in 75 years that Bradfield will be represented by an independent, expanding the crossbench to 13 MPs and further reducing the Coalition's influence. The close margin and potential legal challenge underscore the significance of this electoral shift. Boele's win solidifies the growing presence of climate-focused independents in federal politics.