NSW: Howard era comes to an end as McKew declares victory

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2007
NSW: Howard era comes to an end as McKew declares victory

Labor newcomer MAXINE MCKEW has claimed the northern Sydney seat Bennelong as her own
.. after a week of waiting as votes were counted from last weekend's federal election.

Her win means the political career of outgoing prime minister JOHN HOWARD is officially over.

Despite leading Mr HOWARD from the outset .. Ms MCKEW was reluctant to claim victory
.. repeatedly saying the vote was too close to call.

But today .. the former ABC journalist's called Bennelong for Labor .. the first time
it's out of Liberal hands since being established in 1949.

Mr HOWARD .. who still hasn't officially conceded defeat .. joins STANLEY BRUCE ..

the prime minister who was unceremoniously dumped in his own seat in 1929.

AAP RTV ab/arb/de/wz/rt

KEYWORD: POLL07 BENNELONG (SYDNEY)

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