Liberals Claim Nepean By-Election Win as One Nation Records Major Swing

One Nation’s Darren Hercus has secured second place in the primary vote with 24.7 percent.

People cast their vote for the seat of Nepean during the 2026 Nepean By-Election in Melbourne, Australia, on May 2, 2026. AAP Image/Ian Currie

The Liberals have claimed victory in a key Victorian by-election seen as a preview of what to expect when the rest of the state hits the polls in November.

As counting continued in the Mornington Peninsula seat of Nepean, Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh appeared to be in a commanding position in a significant boost to opposition leader Jess Wilson.