Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says he’s focused on continuing to deliver for the community despite new polling suggesting the Coalition could lose his seat at the 2027 state election.
Polling data by DemosAU predicts the Coalition could lose up to 10 seats statewide — including the Upper Hunter — if current trends continue.
Mr Layzell said while such polls offer a broad measure of voter sentiment, they don’t capture the local factors that often determine regional results.
“These polls will happen throughout the term, and I guess it’s an indicator of the state’s mood,” he said.
“But as we get closer to the election, I hope that local issues are front and centre and the work that I do and continue to do is recognised.”
He said the polling reflected a period where the Minns Labor Government was still enjoying a honeymoon phase.
“You’d expect a brand new government to be running out its policies and getting some early support,” he said.
“But as we get closer to the election, people will analyse whether those policies have worked and whether the rhetoric has actually hit the ground.”
Mr Layzell said he’s preparing for a possible rematch with Singleton Councillor Peree Watson, who ran as Labor’s candidate at the 2023 election.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if she runs again,” he said.
“She’d be a good candidate for Labor, of course.
“That’s all part of it — people will judge based on what we’ve done and what we’re prepared to do.”
Voters in the Upper Hunter will return to the polls in March 2027.
