A declaration of the poll for Gilmore, scheduled for 2pm today in Port Kembla, has been deferred following the Liberal Party lodging a formal request for a recount.

The Labor Party’s Fiona Phillips was to have been declared the winner, by 373 votes after preferences.

With 128,000 eligible voters, and thousands of informal votes (4.4% of the votes), the Liberal Party considers the small winning margin justifies a recount.

“As counting has progressed over the last couple of weeks, my scrutineers have raised concerns in relation to certain aspects of the process, particularly the scrutiny of informal votes,” says the Liberal candidate, Andrew Constance.

“Given the close result, I believe there are strong grounds for a recount and I have submitted a request to the Australian Electoral Commissioner.

“I will not be providing any further comment at this time, while the Commissioner considers the request.”

Ms Phillips has been approached for comment.